Breast Cancer | |
08:40 – 08:45 | Opening Remarks Sudeep Gupta , India ![]() Sudeep Gupta , IndiaMedical OncologistDr. Sudeep Gupta is a Professor of Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India. Dr. Gupta obtained his MBBS degree from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi in 1992. He completed his Postgraduate (MD degree) in internal medicine in 1994 and his Medical Oncology training in 2000 at the same Institute. Following his Medical Oncology training, Dr. Gupta joined Tata Memorial hospital in Mumbai as an Assistant Professor in Medical Oncology and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2003 and Professor in 2010. ![]() Shona Nag, IndiaMedical OncologistDr. Shona Nag is currently Director of Oncology at Sahayadri Group of Hospitals in Pune. She is known for her work in women’s health – especially breast cancer, cervical cancer & developmental theraputics. With over 27 years of practice, Dr. Shona Nag, who studied medicine in Pune’s BJ Medical College, followed by an oncology fellowship at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai has been Principal Investigator for over 40 Phase I, II, III global clinical Trials in Breast cancer, Ovarian cancer, lung cancer, Renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer. |
08:45 – 09:05 | Management of Febrile Neutropenia – Clinical Cases – Supported By Kyowa Kirin Sonia Otsmane, United Arab Emirates ![]() Sonia Otsmane, United Arab EmiratesMedical Oncology Hematology PhysicianDr. Sonia Otsmane is an experienced Medical Oncology-Haematology Consultant since 2004. Graduated from the Central faculty of Medecine Algiers in 1994. MD degree. Oncology-hematology board : Pierre and Marie curie institute in 2004. ESMO member. Member of ASCO. Member of Emirates oncology and hematology society. Member of Oncology society and Algerian order of physicians. Main interest: breast cancer, sarcomas, GI and GU malignancies and lymphomas. Has an interest and implicated in several clinical research. Publications and research ongoing on Hematology malignancies (Multiple myeloma /Lymphoma), Solid tumors mainly Breast cancer Head and neck tumors and Immunotherapy. Currently working as Medical Oncology Hematology Physician at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. |
09:05 – 10:25 | Breast Cancer Session 1 Rham Zaki Ahmed, United Arab Emirates ![]() Rham Zaki Ahmed, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr Rham is a Phd (Medical Oncology), MS (Internal Medicine), MBBch (Surgery, Medicine and ESMO (European Society Member of Oncology). She was a Lecturer of medical oncology at the Medical Oncology Department at Zagazig University Faculty of Medicine from 2011 to October 2014. Assistant lecturer at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Faculty of Medicine at Zagazig University from 2004 – 2011. Dr Rham’s special intrest are in Early screening programs, Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer,Diagnosis and treatment of GIT cancers, Diagnosis and treatment of uro genital cancers. ![]() Syed Nayyar Raza, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Syed is a medical oncologist with more than 15 years of experience. He completed Internal Medicine training from Columbia University in New York. He then completed an Oncology fellowship from New York Medical college. He is American Board certified in Medical Oncology and has successfully treated more than 5000 oncology patients. |
09:05 – 09:25 | Key Highlights in the MONALEESA Program Peter Fasching, Germany ![]() Peter Fasching, GermanyAssociate Professor“Dr. Peter Fasching is an Associate Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics Translational Medicine, at the University Hospital Erlangen and Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Germany. He obtained his MD degree at the University of Cologne, Medical School and in 2006 he earned his Board Certification in Gynecology and Obstetrics at University Hospital Erlangen. He was a Research Fellow at the Department of Hematology/Oncology, UCLA, Los Angeles. Since 2011, he is the Head of the Clinical Trial Unit and Coordinator of the Breast Cancer Center and Gynecologic Oncology Center at the University Hospital Erlangen. He has served as Steering Committee member and Principal Investigator in several key breast cancer trials. Dr. Fasching’s research focus is on big data, statistical modelling, genomics and systems biology.” |
09:25 – 09:45 | Session 1 : A Year in Review : Putting Important Data into Perspective Stephen Johnston, United Kingdom ![]() Stephen Johnston, United KingdomMedical OncologistStephen Johnston is a Professor of Breast Cancer Medicine and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London. He is currently a Clinical Director of the Breast, Lung and AOS Clinical Business Unit at The Royal Marsden. He has published over 250 breast cancer related articles in peer-reviewed journals, and is a regular invited lecturer at national and international meetings. |
09:45 – 10:05 | Session 1 : Managing Metastatic HER2 Positive Breast Cancer in 2021 Javier Cortes, Spain ![]() Javier Cortes, SpainMedical OncologistDr.Javier Cortes is a head of breast cancer and gynecological cancers at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal in Madrid, Spain, as well as Clinical Investigator in the breast cancer research program at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology in Barcelona, Spain.He is one of the European leaders in the field of HER2+ breast cancer, and has led fundamental trials that resulted in the approval of pertuzumab, eribulin and everolimus for metastatic breast cancer. He continues to actively participate in national and international clinical investigations to develop molecularly targeted therapies, such as CDK 4/6 inhibitors, and immunotherapies.Dr. Cortés is on the Scientific Committee of ESMO and is an active member of ASCO and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology. |
10:05 – 10:25 | Session 1 : Panel Discussion on HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Hamdy Abdul Azim, Egypt ![]() Hamdy Abdul Azim, EgyptMedical OncologistDr. Azim is a Professor of Clinical Oncology and immediate past chairman of the Department of Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. He is the president of the Cairo Oncology Center, one of the largest private Cancer centers in the Middle East region. Dr Azim chairs the scientific committee of the NCCN Middle East chapter and is a member of numerous societies, including the ASCO, ASH, ESMO, ASTRO and the European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Society. ![]() Bhawana Sirohi, IndiaMedical OncologistDr. Bhawna Sirohi started her oncology career at Tata Memorial centre (TMC), Mumbai in 1994 and completed training at Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, UK. She serves in Max Super specialty Hospital and is currently an honorary consultant with QMUL, London. At TMC in 2012-2014, she set up GI medical oncology &medical oncology information system (MOIS) for e-prescribing chemotherapy. She has been involved in initial setting up of cancer centres in Sangrur and Mohali, Punjab for TMC. She has piloted use of virtual consults using PROM & PREM in London. ![]() Stephen Johnston, United KingdomMedical OncologistStephen Johnston is a Professor of Breast Cancer Medicine and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London. He is currently a Clinical Director of the Breast, Lung and AOS Clinical Business Unit at The Royal Marsden. He has published over 250 breast cancer related articles in peer-reviewed journals, and is a regular invited lecturer at national and international meetings. ![]() Giuseppe Curigliano, SpainAssociate ProfessorGiuseppe Curigliano, MD PhD, is Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Milano and the Head of the Division of Early Drug Development at the European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Italy. He is a clinician and researcher specialising in early drug development for patients with solid tumours with a special commitment to breast cancer. He has been a member of the Italian National Health Council since 2018 and, in 2019, he served as Chair of the Scientific Committee of The Lega Nazionale Lotta ai Tumori. ![]() Javier Cortes, SpainMedical OncologistDr.Javier Cortes is a head of breast cancer and gynecological cancers at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal in Madrid, Spain, as well as Clinical Investigator in the breast cancer research program at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology in Barcelona, Spain.He is one of the European leaders in the field of HER2+ breast cancer, and has led fundamental trials that resulted in the approval of pertuzumab, eribulin and everolimus for metastatic breast cancer. He continues to actively participate in national and international clinical investigations to develop molecularly targeted therapies, such as CDK 4/6 inhibitors, and immunotherapies.Dr. Cortés is on the Scientific Committee of ESMO and is an active member of ASCO and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology. ![]() Mohsen Mokhtar, EgyptMedical OncologistDr.Mohsen Mokhtar is a professor of clinical oncology in Al-Kasr Al-Aini Medical School. Dr.Mokhtar has more than 20 years of experience in hospital management and he is currently the chief medical director in Elaj group covering the clinical and medical audit of group facilities. He is now focusing on clinical trials in breast, gynecological and prostate cancers. ![]() Diaeddine Ahmad Trad, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Medical OncologistDr. Diaeddine Trad is a Consultant of Medical Oncology, at Tawam Hospital, in Al Ain, UAE. He is a member of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). He is an investigator in several ongoing clinical trials. Dr. Trad is certified as a specialist in internal medicine, hematology and oncology by the Lebanese Ministry of Health. His research interests include; non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma and locally advanced breast cancer. Dr. Trad was a speaker in many international conferences and forums. ![]() Fathi Al Azribi, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Medical Oncologist and Chief of Medical Oncology DivisionDr Fathi Azribi is a Consultant Medical Oncologist and Chief of Medical Oncology Division at Tawam Hospital. He graduated from Tripoli University, Libya, then completed specialty training in Oncology in the UK and obtained a Certificate of Completion of Training in Medical Oncology in October 2009. His main interest is in thoracic, breast, gynaecological and gastrointestinal malignancies; with expertise in treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal and targeted therapy. He published several papers and abstracts in peer reviewed journals. He is also the Program Director of the medical oncology fellowship program at Tawam Hospital. ![]() Dalia Elshorbagy, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologyMedical Oncology at Dubai Hospital ![]() Mouza Al-Ameri, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistMedical Oncologist at Tawam Hospital |
10:40 – 12:05 | Breast Cancer Session 2 Aydah Mohammed Saleh Al Awadhi, United Arab Emirates ![]() Aydah Mohammed Saleh Al Awadhi, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Physician – OncologyMedical Oncologist and quality officer in Oncology at Tawam hospital, graduated from the MD Anderson Hematology and Medical Oncology fellowship in 2019. Main interest in breast cancer. Published several peer review research articles and multiple book chapters in breast cancer. ![]() Millicent Bello, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Breast SurgeonDr. Bello is a highly experienced general and breast / Aesthetic Oncoplastic surgeon who has practiced for most of her career in the UK. She had worked at Nottingham Breast institute before moving to Noble’s Hospital on the Isle of Man, UK, where she was responsible for developing the landscape of breast care delivery on the island. She is a specialist in breast surgery and breast reconstruction, as well as a fully accredited general surgeon. Dr Millicent Alache Bello joins King’s with more than 35 years of experience both in the UK and UAE. Dr Bello completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) in 1982 and earned FRCS (Ed) in 1991, FRCS (Gen.Surg Ed) in 2000, MPhil (Leicester) in 2005. She gained The Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) in 2000. ![]() Sonia Otsmane, United Arab EmiratesMedical Oncology Hematology PhysicianDr. Sonia Otsmane is an experienced Medical Oncology-Haematology Consultant since 2004. Graduated from the Central faculty of Medecine Algiers in 1994. MD degree. Oncology-hematology board : Pierre and Marie curie institute in 2004. ESMO member. Member of ASCO. Member of Emirates oncology and hematology society. Member of Oncology society and Algerian order of physicians. Main interest: breast cancer, sarcomas, GI and GU malignancies and lymphomas. Has an interest and implicated in several clinical research. Publications and research ongoing on Hematology malignancies (Multiple myeloma /Lymphoma), Solid tumors mainly Breast cancer Head and neck tumors and Immunotherapy. Currently working as Medical Oncology Hematology Physician at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. |
10:40 – 11:00 | Optimizing Endocrine Therapy ER+ mBC – Supported By Lilly Mark Verrill, United Kingdom ![]() Mark Verrill, United KingdomMedical OncologistMark Verrill is Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne and Lead Clinician for Breast Cancer in the Northern Cancer Alliance. He graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1999 before undertaking specialist training in Medical Oncology at the Royal Marsden Hospital and Institute of Cancer Research. Mark was appointed as Cancer Research Campaign Clinical Senior Lecturer in Medical Oncology in Newcastle University in 1999, moving into the NHS in 2007. Mark is an active in clinical research with an extensive breast cancer trial portfolio in NCCC and numerous publications resulting from clinical studies. |
11:00 – 11:15 | Session 2 : Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in 2021: Challenges and Questions? Mohsen Mokhtar, Egypt ![]() Mohsen Mokhtar, EgyptMedical OncologistDr.Mohsen Mokhtar is a professor of clinical oncology in Al-Kasr Al-Aini Medical School. Dr.Mokhtar has more than 20 years of experience in hospital management and he is currently the chief medical director in Elaj group covering the clinical and medical audit of group facilities. He is now focusing on clinical trials in breast, gynecological and prostate cancers. |
11:15 – 11:30 | Session 2 : How to Approach a Patient with BRCA Positive Breast Cancer in the Early Stage Setting? Nita Nair, India ![]() Nita Nair, IndiaProfessor and Consultant Surgeon, Department of Surgical OncologyDr. Nita S Nair is a surgical oncologist and a Professor in breast oncology at the Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai , India. She is the current Convenor of the breast disease management group at TMC. After her training she joined Tata Memorial Hospital as a consultant in 2010 and has been involved in numerous clinical research trials , with a special focus on quality of life and young women cancers.She is an integral member of the research team, evaluating a wide array of clinical questions from low cost interventions like Low axillary sampling to Yoga on QOL for women with breast cancer. Dr. Nair is also faculty on the UEA oncoplastic surgery training course and has been involved in developing the oncoplastic breast surgery work at TMC and training numerous surgeons across India. |
11:30 – 11:45 | Session 2 : SNB is a Reasonable Option for Patients with an Initially Positive Axilla Responding to Neoadjuvant Therapy Ahmad Matalkah, United Arab Emirates ![]() Ahmad Matalkah, United Arab EmiratesStaff Physician & a Surgical OncologistDr. Ahmad Matalkah, MD, FACS, is a Staff Physician & a Surgical Oncologist in the Digestive Disease Institute and Oncology Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Prior to Joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Matalkah worked as Surgical Oncologist within the Department of Surgery in King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan. In this role, he provided patient care in the areas of advanced malignant upper gastrointestinal cancer, breast cancer, thyroid and parathyroid cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Matalkah received his medical degree from Jordan University of Science and Technology in Jordan. After completing his residency within the General Surgery Department of King Abdullah University Hospital, Amman, Jordan, he became a Surgical Oncology Fellow, within the General Surgery Department, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan. Dr. Matalkah was awarded the “Teacher of the Year” at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in 2018, in recognition and appreciation of his contributions to teaching of residents and interns. He is a member of many renowned medical associations including the American College of Surgeons and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. |
11:45 – 12:05 | Latest Data Impacting Guidelines in HR +ve/HER2 -ve aBC – Supported By Novartis Nagi El-Saghir, Lebanon ![]() Nagi El-Saghir, LebanonProfessor of MedicineNagi S. El-Saghir, MD, FACP is Professor of Medicine and Director of Breast Center of Excellence, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center. Dr. Nagi El Saghir graduated from Universite Libre de Bruxelles, completed his training in New York, and is certified by the American Boards of Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. Prof. El Saghir has over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. His research is focused on breast cancer and young women, BRCA mutations, awareness and early detection, advanced breast cancer, multidisciplinary management, guidelines and international phase III clinical trials. |
13:25 – 15:15 | Breast Cancer Session 3 Archana Shetty, United Arab Emirates ![]() Archana Shetty, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistMore than 20 years experience from UK & India Fully trained in the UK for 15 years. Ex-consultant Oncoplastic breast surgeon at Peterborough hospital (UK). Ex- Consultant Oncoplastic breast surgeon at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, India. Ex- Consultant Oncoplastic breast surgery at Narayana Health, Bangalore, India ![]() Nagi El-Saghir, LebanonProfessor of MedicineNagi S. El-Saghir, MD, FACP is Professor of Medicine and Director of Breast Center of Excellence, Naef K. Basile Cancer Institute, American University of Beirut Medical Center. Dr. Nagi El Saghir graduated from Universite Libre de Bruxelles, completed his training in New York, and is certified by the American Boards of Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. Prof. El Saghir has over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks. His research is focused on breast cancer and young women, BRCA mutations, awareness and early detection, advanced breast cancer, multidisciplinary management, guidelines and international phase III clinical trials. ![]() Mouza Al-Ameri, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistMedical Oncologist at Tawam Hospital |
13:25 – 13:40 | Session 3 : Descalation Strategies in Breast Cancer: Where are we and Where we want to be? Antonio Llombart, Spain ![]() Antonio Llombart, SpainChairman of the Medical Oncology ServiceAntonio Llombart Cussac, MD, PhD, is chairman of the Medical Oncology Service at the University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova in Valencia, Spain, and professor of Clinical Oncology at the Universidad Catolica de Valencia. Dr Llombart is actively involved in several Spanish and international cooperative groups for Breast Cancer. He is author of more than 200 indexed publications. Since 2012 is also a Senior Breast Cancer Advisor for MedSIR, a private research company focused on outstanding clinical trials in Cancer. Finally, he is coordinating a Research Cancer Unit exploring new agents both in human and animal models. |
13:40 – 13:55 | Session 3 : Novel Drugs and Antibody Drug Conjugates: What the Future holds for Breast Cancer Giuseppe Curigliano, Spain ![]() Giuseppe Curigliano, SpainAssociate ProfessorGiuseppe Curigliano, MD PhD, is Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Milano and the Head of the Division of Early Drug Development at the European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Italy. He is a clinician and researcher specialising in early drug development for patients with solid tumours with a special commitment to breast cancer. He has been a member of the Italian National Health Council since 2018 and, in 2019, he served as Chair of the Scientific Committee of The Lega Nazionale Lotta ai Tumori. |
13:55 – 14:10 | Session 3 : Incorporating Molecular Testing in the Management of Breast Cancer – When, for Whom and How? Nitesh Rohatgi, India ![]() Nitesh Rohatgi, IndiaSenior Consultant“Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi is a senior consultant in Medical Oncology at Max Hospital in Saket, who was till recently working at the prestigious London Oncology Clinic (Leaders in Oncology care), Harley Street, London. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of medicine and has much publication to his name. He was trained in medical oncology, palliative medicine and teenage young adult’s cancers in United Kingdom, completing his CCT in 2009.” |
14:10 – 14:30 | Role of gBRCA Mutations in the Management of eBC Patients – Supported By AstraZeneca Shaheenah Dawood, United Arab Emirates ![]() Shaheenah Dawood, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Shaheenah Dawood’s specialty is Oncology and currently works as a Consultant Oncologist in Mediclinic City Hospital. She currently serves as president of the Excellence in Oncology Care (EIOC) congress that is held annually in Dubai and is Co-Chair of the Asia Pacific Breast Cancer Summit (APBCS) & APGCS. |
14:30 – 14:50 | Genetic Tests on Solid Tumor using Next Generation Sequencing in Clinical Laboratory – Supported By Purehealth Hyo Jin Park, United Arab Emirates ![]() Hyo Jin Park, United Arab EmiratesConsultant PhysicianConsultant Physician, Anatomic Pathology Division of Imaging and Laboratory, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E. Clinical Assistant Professor Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea |
14:50 – 15:10 | Session 3 : Panel discussion: Triple Negative Breast Cancer Shona Nag, India ![]() Shona Nag, IndiaMedical OncologistDr. Shona Nag is currently Director of Oncology at Sahayadri Group of Hospitals in Pune. She is known for her work in women’s health – especially breast cancer, cervical cancer & developmental theraputics. With over 27 years of practice, Dr. Shona Nag, who studied medicine in Pune’s BJ Medical College, followed by an oncology fellowship at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai has been Principal Investigator for over 40 Phase I, II, III global clinical Trials in Breast cancer, Ovarian cancer, lung cancer, Renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer. ![]() Mohsen Mokhtar, EgyptMedical OncologistDr.Mohsen Mokhtar is a professor of clinical oncology in Al-Kasr Al-Aini Medical School. Dr.Mokhtar has more than 20 years of experience in hospital management and he is currently the chief medical director in Elaj group covering the clinical and medical audit of group facilities. He is now focusing on clinical trials in breast, gynecological and prostate cancers. ![]() Nitesh Rohatgi, IndiaSenior Consultant“Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi is a senior consultant in Medical Oncology at Max Hospital in Saket, who was till recently working at the prestigious London Oncology Clinic (Leaders in Oncology care), Harley Street, London. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of medicine and has much publication to his name. He was trained in medical oncology, palliative medicine and teenage young adult’s cancers in United Kingdom, completing his CCT in 2009.” ![]() Mohanad Diab, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Diab has been working with NMC since May 2014 as Consultant Medical Oncologist. He completed his MD in 2004 from Karolinska University, Sweden. Subsequently, he completed his Certificate in Bone Marrow Transplantation in 2008 from Oncology Hospital, Radiumhemmet. Dr. Diab was instrumental in setting up the Oncology clinic at NMC hospital, where he implemented updated chemotherapy protocols according to the highest international and European standards. He has also set up a one of its kind, unique tumour board, which meets weekly to discuss all cancer cases to ensure that each patient’s treatment is personalised and most appropriate to his/her needs. This tumour board is multi-disciplinary & consists of the onco-surgeon, onco-pathologist & onco-radiologist in addition to allied specialities. Prior to joining NMC, he was a Consultant Medical Oncologist since 2008 in the West Gotland Region in Sweden that had 2 hospitals having capacities of 525 and 300 beds respectively. He was also instrumental in setting up and leading the oncology clinics of these hospitals while in Sweden. Dr. Diab manages his own Medical Oncology study and participates actively in many studies for different Tumour diagnosis. He is multilingual and can communicate fluently in English, Arabic, Swedish and has knowledge of conversational Norwegian and Danish. ![]() Sudeep Gupta , IndiaMedical OncologistDr. Sudeep Gupta is a Professor of Medical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India. Dr. Gupta obtained his MBBS degree from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi in 1992. He completed his Postgraduate (MD degree) in internal medicine in 1994 and his Medical Oncology training in 2000 at the same Institute. Following his Medical Oncology training, Dr. Gupta joined Tata Memorial hospital in Mumbai as an Assistant Professor in Medical Oncology and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2003 and Professor in 2010. ![]() Giuseppe Curigliano, SpainAssociate ProfessorGiuseppe Curigliano, MD PhD, is Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Milano and the Head of the Division of Early Drug Development at the European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Italy. He is a clinician and researcher specialising in early drug development for patients with solid tumours with a special commitment to breast cancer. He has been a member of the Italian National Health Council since 2018 and, in 2019, he served as Chair of the Scientific Committee of The Lega Nazionale Lotta ai Tumori. ![]() Sonia Otsmane, United Arab EmiratesMedical Oncology Hematology PhysicianDr. Sonia Otsmane is an experienced Medical Oncology-Haematology Consultant since 2004. Graduated from the Central faculty of Medecine Algiers in 1994. MD degree. Oncology-hematology board : Pierre and Marie curie institute in 2004. ESMO member. Member of ASCO. Member of Emirates oncology and hematology society. Member of Oncology society and Algerian order of physicians. Main interest: breast cancer, sarcomas, GI and GU malignancies and lymphomas. Has an interest and implicated in several clinical research. Publications and research ongoing on Hematology malignancies (Multiple myeloma /Lymphoma), Solid tumors mainly Breast cancer Head and neck tumors and Immunotherapy. Currently working as Medical Oncology Hematology Physician at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. ![]() Diaeddine Ahmad Trad, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Medical OncologistDr. Diaeddine Trad is a Consultant of Medical Oncology, at Tawam Hospital, in Al Ain, UAE. He is a member of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). He is an investigator in several ongoing clinical trials. Dr. Trad is certified as a specialist in internal medicine, hematology and oncology by the Lebanese Ministry of Health. His research interests include; non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma and locally advanced breast cancer. Dr. Trad was a speaker in many international conferences and forums. ![]() Nouri Bennini, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr.Nouri Bennini has served as Consultant Oncologist at the Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, since 1999. He received his general medicine diploma in 1988 from the University of Constantine in Algeria and undertook residency in medical oncology at the University of Bordeaux, France. At the University of Montpellier, France, Dr. Bennini specialised in breast diseases. He has published several scientific papers and contributed to a number of oncology conferences. ![]() Antonio Llombart, SpainChairman of the Medical Oncology ServiceAntonio Llombart Cussac, MD, PhD, is chairman of the Medical Oncology Service at the University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova in Valencia, Spain, and professor of Clinical Oncology at the Universidad Catolica de Valencia. Dr Llombart is actively involved in several Spanish and international cooperative groups for Breast Cancer. He is author of more than 200 indexed publications. Since 2012 is also a Senior Breast Cancer Advisor for MedSIR, a private research company focused on outstanding clinical trials in Cancer. Finally, he is coordinating a Research Cancer Unit exploring new agents both in human and animal models. |
15:10 – 15:15 | Closing Remarks Shona Nag, India ![]() Shona Nag, IndiaMedical OncologistDr. Shona Nag is currently Director of Oncology at Sahayadri Group of Hospitals in Pune. She is known for her work in women’s health – especially breast cancer, cervical cancer & developmental theraputics. With over 27 years of practice, Dr. Shona Nag, who studied medicine in Pune’s BJ Medical College, followed by an oncology fellowship at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai has been Principal Investigator for over 40 Phase I, II, III global clinical Trials in Breast cancer, Ovarian cancer, lung cancer, Renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer. |
Lung Cancer | |
08:30 – 10:20 | Lung Cancer Session 1 Kaltar Das, United Arab Emirates ![]() Kaltar Das, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Kaltar Das has done his internal medicine fellowship in 2008 and Oncology fellowship in 2011 from Shaukat khanum Memorial cancer hospital and research center Pakistan, which is one the largest dedicated oncology center in the region. He has worked as oncologist in Pakistan, Qatar and currently working with Dubai health authority since 2012 (09 years). He has been participating as faculty member in EIOC (formerly UAE-CC) since 08 consecutive years. His special interest involves GI and Urological malignancies. ![]() Falah Al Khatib, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr Al Khatib graduated from Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt in 1969, obtained his DMRT in Radiotherapy and Oncology from the University of London in 1980, Part one FRCR, London in 1984, and FFRRCSI from Dublin in 1984. He undertook postgraduate training in Radiotherapy and Oncology in different hospitals in the UK, where he obtained extensive experience in the management of all malignant diseases both by chemotherapeutic agents and with radiation using different modalities including external beam radiation (x-ray, Co.60, Linear Accelerator, and electrons), intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy (high dose and low dose}, as well as non-sealed radioactive sources (I-131, P-32, St-89, etc). He also actively participated in ongoing clinical trials of the period, particularly those related to breast, lymphomas, brain and GI malignancies. He worked for 11 years as Consultant and Head of Radiotherapy Services at Tawam Hospital, United Arab Emirates where he attended between 350-400 new patients per year and was involved in the management of nearly 6000 cases out of 8000 registered at the hospital. His experience covers all standard radiotherapy techniques, conformal radiotherapy and rotation techniques, using 3D computer planning and MLC. Overall, he has played a major role in developing radiotherapy and medical oncology in the UAE and Gulf region. ![]() Syed Nayyar Raza, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Syed is a medical oncologist with more than 15 years of experience. He completed Internal Medicine training from Columbia University in New York. He then completed an Oncology fellowship from New York Medical college. He is American Board certified in Medical Oncology and has successfully treated more than 5000 oncology patients. |
08:30 – 08:35 | Introduction Prabhash Kumar, India ![]() Prabhash Kumar, IndiaProfessor & HOD Medical OncologyDr. Kumar is a professor and medical oncologist in Tata Memorial Hospital and has more than two decades of experience.He is the present President and convener of Indian Cooperative Oncology Network (ICON).He has so far published over a hundred research and review articles/papers in journals of national and international repute.He has so far undertaken over 80 projects as Principal Ivestigator and Co-Investigator.He is a member of many international and national scientific societies and associations and has delivered talks in several conferences.These days he is proactive in increasing awareness about lung cancer and has successfully conceptualized Lung Cancer Consortium Asia ,he has significantly contributed in translational and clinical research work in the field of lung cancer and has published 17 papers in recent years.He is dedicated to create awareness about lung cancer with utmost importance to patient care and to strengthen future research. |
08:35 – 08:55 | Is it Time to Adopt a “Blood First” approach in NSCLC – Supported by New Bridge Natasha Leighl, Canada ![]() Natasha Leighl, CanadaLead Medical Oncologist.Natasha Leighl is a medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Canada, and Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. After receiving her MD from the University of Toronto, Dr Leighl completed residencies in internal medicine at the University of Calgary and in medical oncology at the University of Toronto. She subsequently completed a Fellowship in Thoracic Oncology with Dr Frances Shepherd at the Princess Margaret Hospital, a Fellowship in Clinical Oncology with Professor Martin Tattersall at the University of Sydney, Australia, and received her MMSc in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Dr Leighl’s main interest is in developing new treatments in lung cancer. She is a member of the Lung Disease Site Executive and co-chairs the Committee on Economic Analysis in the NCIC Clinical Trials Group. Dr Leighl is currently Web Editor of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, Section Co-Editor of The Oncologist and Current Oncology and a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. She has served on several committees including as Lung Track Leader for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Cancer Education Committee, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Medical Oncology Examination Board and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) Career Development and Continuing Education Committees. She was past President of Lung Cancer Canada and has recently been awarded the OSI Pharmaceuticals Foundation Chair in Cancer New Drug Development at the University Health Network, University of Toronto. |
08:55 – 09:10 | Session 1 : Molecular Profiling of Lung Cancer in CLINIC – What is Optimal and What is Maximum? Ben Solomon, Australia ![]() Ben Solomon, AustraliaMedical OncologistProfessor Ben Solomon is a medical oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Professor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Colorado he returned to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in 2006 where he heads the lung medical oncology service and has a clinical and translational research focus on lung cancer and phase I studies of novel anti-cancer therapies. He has been involved in the clinical development of targeted therapies in lung cancer, including the phase I through to phase III clinical trials with the first in class ALK inhibitor crizotinib that led to its approval in the treatment of ALK-rearranged NSCLC. He continues to be involved in the development of novel ALK inhibitors and other novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies in NSCLC. He is the scientific chair of the Thoracic Oncology Group of Australia (TOGA) and Board member of the Cancer Council of Victoria. He has over 200 peer reviewed publications and was listed in Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers for 2019 and 2020. |
09:10 – 09:25 | Session 1 : Adjuvant Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung cancer – Beyond Chemotherapy Ramaswamy Govindan, USA ![]() Ramaswamy Govindan, USAProfessor of Medicine, Director, Section of Medical Oncology“Dr. Ramaswamy Govindan is a medical oncologist at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center in Saint Louis, Missouri. He is also the Anheuser Busch Endowed Chair in Medical Oncology, professor of medicine in the Division of Oncology and director of medical oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Govindan has a board certification in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology and specializes in lung and thoracic cancers. Dr. Govindan’s research interests include the management and treatment of mesothelioma. He serves as a leading researcher at both Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center. He studies gene therapy and personalized medicine, and has a specific interest in using specialized treatment methods based on an individual’s tumor genomic profile. Dr. Govindan leads a clinical trial called ALCHEMIST (Adjuvant Lung Cancer Enrichment Marker Identification and Sequencing Trial) that is facilitated on a national level. The trial is designed to provide patients with alternative, targeted treatment for advanced lung cancers.” |
09:25 – 09:40 | Session 1 : Locally Advanced NSCLC – Does Every Patient needs Immunotherapy? Riyaz Shah, United Kingdom ![]() Riyaz Shah, United KingdomConsultant Medical Oncologist“Dr Riyaz Shah is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Harley Street Clinic and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. He specialises in lung and gastrointestinal cancers and malignant mesothelioma. Dr Shah completed his medical degree at the University of London and obtained a First Class Honours Intercalated BSc in Experimental Pathology. Following this he undertook further medical training at The London Chest Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital, University College London, Guy’s Hospital and The Royal Marsden. In 1997 he became a member of the Royal College of Physicians of London. He undertook a Clinical Research Fellowship with The Imperial Cancer Research Fund to investigate abnormal genes in pancreatic cancer. This work led to him being awarded with a PhD by Imperial College London. Following this, Dr Shah trained to become a specialist in Medical Oncology at The Royal Marsden Hospital and was awarded an ASCO Foundation Merit Award. In 2006 he was appointed Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Kent Oncology Centre. Dr. Shah is actively involved in training future medical oncologists and has an extensive role in clinical research. He has been a principal investigator on many trials at his centre and has been instrumental in the introduction of immunotherapy into routine clinical practice within Kent. He has served on the NCRI Lung Group, acted as chairman of the Kent Lung Network Lead and continues to be the lead for research at his Cancer Centre. He has been published widely and is regularly asked to speak both nationally and internationally on cancer issues” |
09:40 – 10:20 | Session 1 : Panel Discussion Prabhash Kumar, India ![]() Prabhash Kumar, IndiaProfessor & HOD Medical OncologyDr. Kumar is a professor and medical oncologist in Tata Memorial Hospital and has more than two decades of experience.He is the present President and convener of Indian Cooperative Oncology Network (ICON).He has so far published over a hundred research and review articles/papers in journals of national and international repute.He has so far undertaken over 80 projects as Principal Ivestigator and Co-Investigator.He is a member of many international and national scientific societies and associations and has delivered talks in several conferences.These days he is proactive in increasing awareness about lung cancer and has successfully conceptualized Lung Cancer Consortium Asia ,he has significantly contributed in translational and clinical research work in the field of lung cancer and has published 17 papers in recent years.He is dedicated to create awareness about lung cancer with utmost importance to patient care and to strengthen future research. ![]() Ben Solomon, AustraliaMedical OncologistProfessor Ben Solomon is a medical oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Professor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Colorado he returned to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in 2006 where he heads the lung medical oncology service and has a clinical and translational research focus on lung cancer and phase I studies of novel anti-cancer therapies. He has been involved in the clinical development of targeted therapies in lung cancer, including the phase I through to phase III clinical trials with the first in class ALK inhibitor crizotinib that led to its approval in the treatment of ALK-rearranged NSCLC. He continues to be involved in the development of novel ALK inhibitors and other novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies in NSCLC. He is the scientific chair of the Thoracic Oncology Group of Australia (TOGA) and Board member of the Cancer Council of Victoria. He has over 200 peer reviewed publications and was listed in Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers for 2019 and 2020. ![]() Ramaswamy Govindan, USAProfessor of Medicine, Director, Section of Medical Oncology“Dr. Ramaswamy Govindan is a medical oncologist at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center in Saint Louis, Missouri. He is also the Anheuser Busch Endowed Chair in Medical Oncology, professor of medicine in the Division of Oncology and director of medical oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Govindan has a board certification in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology and specializes in lung and thoracic cancers. Dr. Govindan’s research interests include the management and treatment of mesothelioma. He serves as a leading researcher at both Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center. He studies gene therapy and personalized medicine, and has a specific interest in using specialized treatment methods based on an individual’s tumor genomic profile. Dr. Govindan leads a clinical trial called ALCHEMIST (Adjuvant Lung Cancer Enrichment Marker Identification and Sequencing Trial) that is facilitated on a national level. The trial is designed to provide patients with alternative, targeted treatment for advanced lung cancers.” ![]() Vivek Subbiah, USAAssociate Professor & Center Clinical Medical Director“Vivek Subbiah, M.D., is an associate professor in the Investigational Cancer Therapeutics department (a Phase 1 program). He is the Center Clinical Medical Director of the Clinical Center for Targeted Therapy, Cancer Medicine division, at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. After completing his medical school in India at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, India he completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth, Cleveland Ohio. Dr. Subbiah has a unique training background as he is one of the few physicians in the nation/world to have training in oncology in both adults and children. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and has completed fellowships in both adult and pediatric oncology at MD Anderson. Dr. Vivek Subbiah is a clinical trialist and Physician Investigator in the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at MD Anderson, which is the largest oncology drug development unit in the world. He is primarily involved in translational cancer research and the design and conduct of early-phase biomarker-driven clinical trials, with a specialist interest in anti-body drug conjugates, radio-pharmaceuticals, immunoconjugates and basket trials. Dr. Subbiah serves as the Principal Investigator in numerous trials, certainly leaving an accomplished impression on the national and international drug development community. Dr. Subbiah has skillfully led the MD Anderson effort on the international Vemurafenib Basket Trial in non-melanoma BRAF V600-mutated cancers, which pioneered a novel histology-independent clinical trial design. Vemurafenib was FDA approved in Erdheim-Chester disease based on this trial. Dabrafenib and trametinib was U.S. FDA-approved in the treatment of BRAF V600-mutant anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) based on practice changing data from the Rare Oncology Agnostic Approach (ROAR) trial lead by Dr. Subbiah. Furthermore, his novel investigator-initiated trials have also laid the foundation for therapeutic breakthroughs for additional rare cancers. Specifically, his clinical trial for Radium-223 as a treatment for relapsed osteosarcoma was singularly responsible for the inclusion of this radiopharmaceutical in the treatment algorithm of osteosarcoma in the guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Dr. Subbiah is a major advocate for precision oncology. His national leadership roles continue to expand as the National PI for the BRAF non-V600 alteration arm of the NCI-MATCH Precision Medicine Clinical Trial. His trial portfolio includes trials that target BRAF, MEK, RET, CDK, WNT, VEGF,mTOR, EZH2-EED pathways, novel immunotherapy combination trials GITR, TLR7/9, PD1, WT1, several first-in-human antibody drug conjugates, oncolytic viruses, intra-tumoral therapies and radiopharmaceuticals. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed in several prestigious journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, JAMA Oncology, Cancer Discovery, Clinical Cancer Research, and Lancet Oncology.” ![]() Maroun El Khoury, United Arab EmiratesHematologistDr. Maroun El Khoury completed his basic medical training from Saint Joseph University School of Medicine Beirut, Lebanon in 1999. He is also a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology and American Academy of Pain Management. Dr. Maroun El Khoury’s specialty is Oncology and currently work as a Consultant Oncologist. ![]() Nitesh Rohatgi, IndiaSenior Consultant“Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi is a senior consultant in Medical Oncology at Max Hospital in Saket, who was till recently working at the prestigious London Oncology Clinic (Leaders in Oncology care), Harley Street, London. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of medicine and has much publication to his name. He was trained in medical oncology, palliative medicine and teenage young adult’s cancers in United Kingdom, completing his CCT in 2009.” ![]() Vanita Noronha, IndiaProfessor & Medical OncologistDr. Vanita Noronha is a Professor and Medical Oncologist at the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. She has interest in lung, esophageal, head and neck and urologic cancers. She is also interested in optimizing the care of older patients with cancer and runs the geriatric oncology clinic at the Tata Memorial Hospital. She is interested in the management of rare tumors and run the rare tumor meeting. She is the editor in chief of Cancer Research Statistics and Treatment. ![]() Abhishek Mahajan, IndiaConsultant Head and Neck RadiologistDr. Abhishek Mahajan has completed his MBBS and MD Radiodiagnosis from KMC Manipal, and then did super-specialisation,2 yrs Fellowship in Cancer Imaging at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India, from August 2009 to July 2011. Then worked as senior resident in TMC from August 2011 to September 2011. ![]() Nouri Bennini, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr.Nouri Bennini has served as Consultant Oncologist at the Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, since 1999. He received his general medicine diploma in 1988 from the University of Constantine in Algeria and undertook residency in medical oncology at the University of Bordeaux, France. At the University of Montpellier, France, Dr. Bennini specialised in breast diseases. He has published several scientific papers and contributed to a number of oncology conferences. ![]() Syed Nayyar Raza, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Syed is a medical oncologist with more than 15 years of experience. He completed Internal Medicine training from Columbia University in New York. He then completed an Oncology fellowship from New York Medical college. He is American Board certified in Medical Oncology and has successfully treated more than 5000 oncology patients. |
10:35 – 10:55 | Session 1 : Immunotherapy – How to Choose the Right Patient for Right Treatment in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Solange Peters, Switzerland ![]() Solange Peters, SwitzerlandChair and Professor, Medical Oncology“Solange Peters, MD, PhD, is a full professor and chair of medical oncology, as well as the thoracic malignancies program in the Department of Oncology at the University Hospital of Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland. She received both her doctorate in medicine and PhD from the University Hospital of Lausanne. After completing her clinical education in medical oncology and molecular biology in Switzerland and Italy, Prof. Peters has specialized in thoracic tumors, lung cancer, and pleural tumors. Prof. Peters is currently in charge of teaching and patient care in thoracic malignancies at Lausanne University, where she is building a translational program in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the Ludwig Institute. Her main fields of interest are new biomarkers discovery and validation in preclinical and clinical settings, multimodality strategies for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as cancer immunotherapy. Her current research projects are mainly focused on innovative immunotherapy combinations and new immunomodulating treatments across thoracic malignancies. She acts as the local principal investigator (PI) for lung trials opened at Lausanne Cancer Centre and is a co-PI of several other trials. Additionally, she acts as the scientific coordinator and Foundation Council member of the European Thoracic Oncology Platform. Professor Peters has authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, acts as associate editor of the Annals of Oncology, serves on the editorial board of several other oncology journals, and was the deputy editor of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology for 10 years. Prof. Peters is active in the educational programs of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) – where she created the Women for Oncology Committee and for which she is the youngest President ever for an extended time of 3 years 2020-2022, and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) – were she was a previous Board of Directors member. “ |
10:55 – 11:05 | Session 1 : 4-year update from CheckMate 227 Solange Peters, Switzerland ![]() Solange Peters, SwitzerlandChair and Professor, Medical Oncology“Solange Peters, MD, PhD, is a full professor and chair of medical oncology, as well as the thoracic malignancies program in the Department of Oncology at the University Hospital of Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland. She received both her doctorate in medicine and PhD from the University Hospital of Lausanne. After completing her clinical education in medical oncology and molecular biology in Switzerland and Italy, Prof. Peters has specialized in thoracic tumors, lung cancer, and pleural tumors. Prof. Peters is currently in charge of teaching and patient care in thoracic malignancies at Lausanne University, where she is building a translational program in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the Ludwig Institute. Her main fields of interest are new biomarkers discovery and validation in preclinical and clinical settings, multimodality strategies for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as cancer immunotherapy. Her current research projects are mainly focused on innovative immunotherapy combinations and new immunomodulating treatments across thoracic malignancies. She acts as the local principal investigator (PI) for lung trials opened at Lausanne Cancer Centre and is a co-PI of several other trials. Additionally, she acts as the scientific coordinator and Foundation Council member of the European Thoracic Oncology Platform. Professor Peters has authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, acts as associate editor of the Annals of Oncology, serves on the editorial board of several other oncology journals, and was the deputy editor of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology for 10 years. Prof. Peters is active in the educational programs of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) – where she created the Women for Oncology Committee and for which she is the youngest President ever for an extended time of 3 years 2020-2022, and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) – were she was a previous Board of Directors member. “ |
11:05 – 11:15 | Session 1 : 3-year update from CheckMate 743 Solange Peters, Switzerland ![]() Solange Peters, SwitzerlandChair and Professor, Medical Oncology“Solange Peters, MD, PhD, is a full professor and chair of medical oncology, as well as the thoracic malignancies program in the Department of Oncology at the University Hospital of Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland. She received both her doctorate in medicine and PhD from the University Hospital of Lausanne. After completing her clinical education in medical oncology and molecular biology in Switzerland and Italy, Prof. Peters has specialized in thoracic tumors, lung cancer, and pleural tumors. Prof. Peters is currently in charge of teaching and patient care in thoracic malignancies at Lausanne University, where she is building a translational program in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the Ludwig Institute. Her main fields of interest are new biomarkers discovery and validation in preclinical and clinical settings, multimodality strategies for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as cancer immunotherapy. Her current research projects are mainly focused on innovative immunotherapy combinations and new immunomodulating treatments across thoracic malignancies. She acts as the local principal investigator (PI) for lung trials opened at Lausanne Cancer Centre and is a co-PI of several other trials. Additionally, she acts as the scientific coordinator and Foundation Council member of the European Thoracic Oncology Platform. Professor Peters has authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, acts as associate editor of the Annals of Oncology, serves on the editorial board of several other oncology journals, and was the deputy editor of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology for 10 years. Prof. Peters is active in the educational programs of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) – where she created the Women for Oncology Committee and for which she is the youngest President ever for an extended time of 3 years 2020-2022, and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) – were she was a previous Board of Directors member. “ |
11:15 – 11:35 | EGFR Talks: How to Optimize EGFR mut+ NSCLC Treatment – Supported by Lilly Silvia Novello, Italy ![]() Silvia Novello, ItalyMedical OncologistSilvia Novello, MD, PhD is Full Professor of Medical Oncology in the Oncology Department at San Luigi Hospital in Orbassano, Italy, part of the University of Turin. She earned her medical degree and completed the postgraduate training in Respiratory Medicine and Medical Oncology at the University of Turin and partially at the Institut Gustave Roussy, in France. Currently, she is head of the Thoracic Oncology Unit at the San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano (Turin), where she also tutors medical students and Postgraduate students in Respiratory Medicine and Medical Oncology and Deputy Director of the Oncology Dept. Prof. Novello’s research interests include thoracic malignancies, primary prevention, gender differences in lung cancer, basic, translational and clinical applied research on lung cancer and mesothelioma, including pharmacogenomics. She is involved as PI in many International and national controlled clinical trials evaluating new approaches in diagnosis and lung cancer therapy. From July 2012 until 2016, Prof Novello has been a Member of the Board of Directors of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and since October 2016 Member of the Board of Directors of the Italian Association of Medical Oncology, past Secretary and now part of the EORTC Lung Cancer Group and member of several scientific societies including the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Thoracic Society and the European Society of Medical Oncology. Currently, she is the President of WALCE (Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe), a non profit European Association founded in 2006 in Turin, Italy, part of the scientific Committee of LuCe (Lung cancer Europe) and also member of the Scientific Committee of Bonnie J Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and Member of the Scientific Committee of ICAPEM (Investigación sobre Cáncer de Pulmón en Mujeres). She is the author or co-author of over 150 publications in peer-reviewed journals. |
11:35 – 12:25 | lung Cancer Session 2 Dalia Elshorbagy, United Arab Emirates ![]() Dalia Elshorbagy, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologyMedical Oncology at Dubai Hospital ![]() Sonia Otsmane, United Arab EmiratesMedical Oncology Hematology PhysicianDr. Sonia Otsmane is an experienced Medical Oncology-Haematology Consultant since 2004. Graduated from the Central faculty of Medecine Algiers in 1994. MD degree. Oncology-hematology board : Pierre and Marie curie institute in 2004. ESMO member. Member of ASCO. Member of Emirates oncology and hematology society. Member of Oncology society and Algerian order of physicians. Main interest: breast cancer, sarcomas, GI and GU malignancies and lymphomas. Has an interest and implicated in several clinical research. Publications and research ongoing on Hematology malignancies (Multiple myeloma /Lymphoma), Solid tumors mainly Breast cancer Head and neck tumors and Immunotherapy. Currently working as Medical Oncology Hematology Physician at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. |
11:35 – 11:50 | Session 2 : Proteogenomic Alterations in Lung Cancer Ramaswamy Govindan, USA ![]() Ramaswamy Govindan, USAProfessor of Medicine, Director, Section of Medical Oncology“Dr. Ramaswamy Govindan is a medical oncologist at the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center in Saint Louis, Missouri. He is also the Anheuser Busch Endowed Chair in Medical Oncology, professor of medicine in the Division of Oncology and director of medical oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Govindan has a board certification in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology and specializes in lung and thoracic cancers. Dr. Govindan’s research interests include the management and treatment of mesothelioma. He serves as a leading researcher at both Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center. He studies gene therapy and personalized medicine, and has a specific interest in using specialized treatment methods based on an individual’s tumor genomic profile. Dr. Govindan leads a clinical trial called ALCHEMIST (Adjuvant Lung Cancer Enrichment Marker Identification and Sequencing Trial) that is facilitated on a national level. The trial is designed to provide patients with alternative, targeted treatment for advanced lung cancers.” |
11:50 – 12:05 | Session 2 : EGFR Mutation Positive Advanced Lung Cancer – Are Newer Options Similar? Tony Mok, Hong Kong ![]() Tony Mok, Hong KongChairman, Department of Clinical Oncology“Professor Tony S.K. Mok, BMSc, MD, FRCP(C), FRCP(Edin), FHKCP, FHKAM(Medicine), FASCO was trained at the University of Alberta, Canada and he subsequently completed a fellowship in medical oncology at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. After working as a community oncologist in Toronto, Canada for seven years, he returned to Hong Kong in 1996 to pursue an academic career. Professor Mok is the Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation endowed Professor and Chairman of Department of Clinical Oncology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His main research interest focuses on biomarker and molecular targeted therapy in lung cancer. He was the Principal Investigator and first author on the landmark IPASS, which was the first study that confirmed the application of precision medicine for advanced lung cancer. He has also led and co-led multiple international phase III studies including the FASTACT 2, PROFILE 1014, IMPRESS, ARCHER 1050, ALEX, AURA 3 and KEYNOTE 042. These projects address various aspects on management of advanced lung cancer, and basically have defined the current practice. He dedicates his work on precision medicine for lung cancer by also engaging in clinical research on oncogene driven lung cancer and immunotherapy. His work has been adopted by multiple international guidelines including NCCN, AMP/IASLC/CAP, ASCO and ESMO. He also contributes to the development of clinical research infra-structure in China and Asia. He cofounded the Lung Cancer Research Group, Chinese Thoracic Oncology Research Group and Asia Thoracic Oncology Research Group. Professor Mok has contributed to over 260 articles in international peer-reviewed journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, Science, Lancet, Nature Medicine and Journal of Clinical Oncology, and published multiple editorials and textbooks. He served as an Associate Editor for thoracic oncology for the Journal of Clinical Oncology and other international journals. He is the Past President and Past Treasurer of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). He is a member of the Board of Directors for ASCO, AstraZeneca, Aurora Tele-Oncology, Sanomics, Hutchison Chi-Med and St. Stephen’s College & Preparatory School. He is active in international education activity and has made significant contribution to AACR, ASCO, CSCO and ESMO. His work was recognised by numerous awards including Bonnie Addario Award in 2015, Fellowship of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO) in 2017, Paul Bunn Jr Scientific Award in 2017, National Science and Technology Progress Award in 2017, CSCO Annual Achievement Award in 2017, ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, The 6th Kobayashi Foundation Award and Giant of Cancer Care in 2020. His recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine has been selected as one of the most “Notable Articles in 2017”.” |
12:05 – 12:25 | Revolution of Adjuvant Treatment in the EGFRm NSCLC – Supported by AstraZeneca Tony Mok, Hong Kong ![]() Tony Mok, Hong KongChairman, Department of Clinical Oncology“Professor Tony S.K. Mok, BMSc, MD, FRCP(C), FRCP(Edin), FHKCP, FHKAM(Medicine), FASCO was trained at the University of Alberta, Canada and he subsequently completed a fellowship in medical oncology at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. After working as a community oncologist in Toronto, Canada for seven years, he returned to Hong Kong in 1996 to pursue an academic career. Professor Mok is the Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation endowed Professor and Chairman of Department of Clinical Oncology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His main research interest focuses on biomarker and molecular targeted therapy in lung cancer. He was the Principal Investigator and first author on the landmark IPASS, which was the first study that confirmed the application of precision medicine for advanced lung cancer. He has also led and co-led multiple international phase III studies including the FASTACT 2, PROFILE 1014, IMPRESS, ARCHER 1050, ALEX, AURA 3 and KEYNOTE 042. These projects address various aspects on management of advanced lung cancer, and basically have defined the current practice. He dedicates his work on precision medicine for lung cancer by also engaging in clinical research on oncogene driven lung cancer and immunotherapy. His work has been adopted by multiple international guidelines including NCCN, AMP/IASLC/CAP, ASCO and ESMO. He also contributes to the development of clinical research infra-structure in China and Asia. He cofounded the Lung Cancer Research Group, Chinese Thoracic Oncology Research Group and Asia Thoracic Oncology Research Group. Professor Mok has contributed to over 260 articles in international peer-reviewed journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, Science, Lancet, Nature Medicine and Journal of Clinical Oncology, and published multiple editorials and textbooks. He served as an Associate Editor for thoracic oncology for the Journal of Clinical Oncology and other international journals. He is the Past President and Past Treasurer of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). He is a member of the Board of Directors for ASCO, AstraZeneca, Aurora Tele-Oncology, Sanomics, Hutchison Chi-Med and St. Stephen’s College & Preparatory School. He is active in international education activity and has made significant contribution to AACR, ASCO, CSCO and ESMO. His work was recognised by numerous awards including Bonnie Addario Award in 2015, Fellowship of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO) in 2017, Paul Bunn Jr Scientific Award in 2017, National Science and Technology Progress Award in 2017, CSCO Annual Achievement Award in 2017, ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, The 6th Kobayashi Foundation Award and Giant of Cancer Care in 2020. His recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine has been selected as one of the most “Notable Articles in 2017”.” |
13:25 – 16:10 | Lung Cancer Session 3 Mohanad Diab, United Arab Emirates ![]() Mohanad Diab, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Diab has been working with NMC since May 2014 as Consultant Medical Oncologist. He completed his MD in 2004 from Karolinska University, Sweden. Subsequently, he completed his Certificate in Bone Marrow Transplantation in 2008 from Oncology Hospital, Radiumhemmet. Dr. Diab was instrumental in setting up the Oncology clinic at NMC hospital, where he implemented updated chemotherapy protocols according to the highest international and European standards. He has also set up a one of its kind, unique tumour board, which meets weekly to discuss all cancer cases to ensure that each patient’s treatment is personalised and most appropriate to his/her needs. This tumour board is multi-disciplinary & consists of the onco-surgeon, onco-pathologist & onco-radiologist in addition to allied specialities. Prior to joining NMC, he was a Consultant Medical Oncologist since 2008 in the West Gotland Region in Sweden that had 2 hospitals having capacities of 525 and 300 beds respectively. He was also instrumental in setting up and leading the oncology clinics of these hospitals while in Sweden. Dr. Diab manages his own Medical Oncology study and participates actively in many studies for different Tumour diagnosis. He is multilingual and can communicate fluently in English, Arabic, Swedish and has knowledge of conversational Norwegian and Danish. ![]() Emad Anwar Dawoud, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Clinical OncologistDr.Emad Anwar Dawoud, MD, PhD is a Consultant Clinical Oncology at Tawam Hospital (Affiliated with Johns Hopkins) Al Ain, UAE ![]() Nouri Bennini, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr.Nouri Bennini has served as Consultant Oncologist at the Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, since 1999. He received his general medicine diploma in 1988 from the University of Constantine in Algeria and undertook residency in medical oncology at the University of Bordeaux, France. At the University of Montpellier, France, Dr. Bennini specialised in breast diseases. He has published several scientific papers and contributed to a number of oncology conferences. |
13:25 – 13:40 | Session 3 : Management of Mutation Positive NSCLC – Beyond EGFR, ALK, ROS1 Vivek Subbiah, USA ![]() Vivek Subbiah, USAAssociate Professor & Center Clinical Medical Director“Vivek Subbiah, M.D., is an associate professor in the Investigational Cancer Therapeutics department (a Phase 1 program). He is the Center Clinical Medical Director of the Clinical Center for Targeted Therapy, Cancer Medicine division, at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. After completing his medical school in India at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, India he completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth, Cleveland Ohio. Dr. Subbiah has a unique training background as he is one of the few physicians in the nation/world to have training in oncology in both adults and children. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and has completed fellowships in both adult and pediatric oncology at MD Anderson. Dr. Vivek Subbiah is a clinical trialist and Physician Investigator in the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at MD Anderson, which is the largest oncology drug development unit in the world. He is primarily involved in translational cancer research and the design and conduct of early-phase biomarker-driven clinical trials, with a specialist interest in anti-body drug conjugates, radio-pharmaceuticals, immunoconjugates and basket trials. Dr. Subbiah serves as the Principal Investigator in numerous trials, certainly leaving an accomplished impression on the national and international drug development community. Dr. Subbiah has skillfully led the MD Anderson effort on the international Vemurafenib Basket Trial in non-melanoma BRAF V600-mutated cancers, which pioneered a novel histology-independent clinical trial design. Vemurafenib was FDA approved in Erdheim-Chester disease based on this trial. Dabrafenib and trametinib was U.S. FDA-approved in the treatment of BRAF V600-mutant anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) based on practice changing data from the Rare Oncology Agnostic Approach (ROAR) trial lead by Dr. Subbiah. Furthermore, his novel investigator-initiated trials have also laid the foundation for therapeutic breakthroughs for additional rare cancers. Specifically, his clinical trial for Radium-223 as a treatment for relapsed osteosarcoma was singularly responsible for the inclusion of this radiopharmaceutical in the treatment algorithm of osteosarcoma in the guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Dr. Subbiah is a major advocate for precision oncology. His national leadership roles continue to expand as the National PI for the BRAF non-V600 alteration arm of the NCI-MATCH Precision Medicine Clinical Trial. His trial portfolio includes trials that target BRAF, MEK, RET, CDK, WNT, VEGF,mTOR, EZH2-EED pathways, novel immunotherapy combination trials GITR, TLR7/9, PD1, WT1, several first-in-human antibody drug conjugates, oncolytic viruses, intra-tumoral therapies and radiopharmaceuticals. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed in several prestigious journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, JAMA Oncology, Cancer Discovery, Clinical Cancer Research, and Lancet Oncology.” |
13:40 – 14:00 | Long Term Outcomes with Checkpoint Inhibitors in NSCLC – Supported By MSD Emad Anwar Dawoud, United Arab Emirates ![]() Emad Anwar Dawoud, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Clinical OncologistDr.Emad Anwar Dawoud, MD, PhD is a Consultant Clinical Oncology at Tawam Hospital (Affiliated with Johns Hopkins) Al Ain, UAE |
14:00 – 14:20 | Transforming the Undruggable NSCLC Targets – Supported by Amgen Jawaher Ansari, United Arab Emirates ![]() Jawaher Ansari, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Jawaher Ansari completed his Clinical Oncology specialist training in Birmingham, UK and worked as a Consultant at the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow, the second largest cancer center in the UK, prior to moving to the Middle East. Dr Ansari has been a principal investigator for several practice-changing international clinical trials and has authored several peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters. His specialist interests are Urology, Breast and Lung cancers. |
14:20 – 14:30 | Session 3 : Small Cell Lung Cancer – How Much is the Real Gain Nitesh Rohatgi, India ![]() Nitesh Rohatgi, IndiaSenior Consultant“Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi is a senior consultant in Medical Oncology at Max Hospital in Saket, who was till recently working at the prestigious London Oncology Clinic (Leaders in Oncology care), Harley Street, London. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of medicine and has much publication to his name. He was trained in medical oncology, palliative medicine and teenage young adult’s cancers in United Kingdom, completing his CCT in 2009.” |
14:30 – 14:40 | Session 3 : Geriatric Lung Cancer – Do we Need to Manage Differently? Vanita Noronha, India ![]() Vanita Noronha, IndiaProfessor & Medical OncologistDr. Vanita Noronha is a Professor and Medical Oncologist at the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. She has interest in lung, esophageal, head and neck and urologic cancers. She is also interested in optimizing the care of older patients with cancer and runs the geriatric oncology clinic at the Tata Memorial Hospital. She is interested in the management of rare tumors and run the rare tumor meeting. She is the editor in chief of Cancer Research Statistics and Treatment. |
14:40 – 14:55 | Session 3 : Molecular Profile of Lung Cancer – Asian Perspective Pratik Chandrani, India ![]() Pratik Chandrani, IndiaPI and Asst. Professor. |
14:55 – 15:25 | Dual Immunotherapy Approach in 1L NSCLS Treatment – Supported By BMS Aref Chehal, United Arab Emirates ![]() Aref Chehal, United Arab EmiratesAdjunct Clinical Associate Professor of MedicineDr. Chehal is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, UAE Dr. Chehal is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Khalifa University (KU), Abu Dhabi, UAE Dr. Chehal graduated from the college of Medicine at Baghdad University/Iraq (MBChB) in 1996. He did his Internal Medicine residency at Makassed General Hospital (Affiliated with American University of Beirut), Lebanon, between 1997 and 2000. He did his Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the American University of Beirut (AUBMC), Lebanon, between 2000 and 2003 (Lebanese Board). He obtained Fellowship of the American College of Physician (FACP) in 2013. He obtained the European Certification of Medical Oncology (ECMO) in 2009 and Re-certification in 2014 and 2021. Dr. Chehal is a member of many national and international societies including ASCO, ESMO, EHA,….. He had an important role in Tumor registry in Lebanon in 2002. Dr. Chehal acted as chairperson, moderator, advisor, and member of scientific committee in many local and international congresses. Dr. Chehal has 27 published articles in peer reviewed international journals; he is the first author on 9 of them, in addition to 31 abstracts. He joined Mafraq hospital From May 2006 until December 2019. He served as head of Hematology Oncology division at Mafraq Hospital from December 2018 till December 2019 His main interests are Lung cancer, Breast Cancer, GI malignancies and Lymphoma. |
15:25 – 16:05 | Session 3 : Panel Discussion Ullas Batra, India ![]() Ullas Batra, IndiaSenior Consultant and Chief of Thoracic Medical Oncology“Dr UllasBatra obtained his DM in Medical Oncology from the prestigious Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology. He has gained widespread experience in the management of various malignancies like Lung cancer, breast cancer, GI Cancers and hematological malignancies etc. He has also done perceptorship in various International Institutes like MD Anderson Cancer Centre, USA, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia. He has participated as a Principal investigator and co Investigator in various phase II and III clinical trials. He has numerous publications to his credit in reputed Journals and Research gate, an online repository of scientific articles has listed 49 of them. He has actively participated in organizing various seminars, CMEs, conferences throughout country. He is also a Thesis guide to DNB residents. At present, he is working as Senior Consultant and Chief of Thoracic Medical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi cancer Institute and Research Centre.” ![]() Tony Mok, Hong KongChairman, Department of Clinical Oncology“Professor Tony S.K. Mok, BMSc, MD, FRCP(C), FRCP(Edin), FHKCP, FHKAM(Medicine), FASCO was trained at the University of Alberta, Canada and he subsequently completed a fellowship in medical oncology at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. After working as a community oncologist in Toronto, Canada for seven years, he returned to Hong Kong in 1996 to pursue an academic career. Professor Mok is the Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation endowed Professor and Chairman of Department of Clinical Oncology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His main research interest focuses on biomarker and molecular targeted therapy in lung cancer. He was the Principal Investigator and first author on the landmark IPASS, which was the first study that confirmed the application of precision medicine for advanced lung cancer. He has also led and co-led multiple international phase III studies including the FASTACT 2, PROFILE 1014, IMPRESS, ARCHER 1050, ALEX, AURA 3 and KEYNOTE 042. These projects address various aspects on management of advanced lung cancer, and basically have defined the current practice. He dedicates his work on precision medicine for lung cancer by also engaging in clinical research on oncogene driven lung cancer and immunotherapy. His work has been adopted by multiple international guidelines including NCCN, AMP/IASLC/CAP, ASCO and ESMO. He also contributes to the development of clinical research infra-structure in China and Asia. He cofounded the Lung Cancer Research Group, Chinese Thoracic Oncology Research Group and Asia Thoracic Oncology Research Group. Professor Mok has contributed to over 260 articles in international peer-reviewed journals, including The New England Journal of Medicine, Science, Lancet, Nature Medicine and Journal of Clinical Oncology, and published multiple editorials and textbooks. He served as an Associate Editor for thoracic oncology for the Journal of Clinical Oncology and other international journals. He is the Past President and Past Treasurer of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC). He is a member of the Board of Directors for ASCO, AstraZeneca, Aurora Tele-Oncology, Sanomics, Hutchison Chi-Med and St. Stephen’s College & Preparatory School. He is active in international education activity and has made significant contribution to AACR, ASCO, CSCO and ESMO. His work was recognised by numerous awards including Bonnie Addario Award in 2015, Fellowship of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO) in 2017, Paul Bunn Jr Scientific Award in 2017, National Science and Technology Progress Award in 2017, CSCO Annual Achievement Award in 2017, ESMO Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, The 6th Kobayashi Foundation Award and Giant of Cancer Care in 2020. His recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine has been selected as one of the most “Notable Articles in 2017”.” ![]() Vivek Subbiah, USAAssociate Professor & Center Clinical Medical Director“Vivek Subbiah, M.D., is an associate professor in the Investigational Cancer Therapeutics department (a Phase 1 program). He is the Center Clinical Medical Director of the Clinical Center for Targeted Therapy, Cancer Medicine division, at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. After completing his medical school in India at Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, India he completed a combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth, Cleveland Ohio. Dr. Subbiah has a unique training background as he is one of the few physicians in the nation/world to have training in oncology in both adults and children. He is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and has completed fellowships in both adult and pediatric oncology at MD Anderson. Dr. Vivek Subbiah is a clinical trialist and Physician Investigator in the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at MD Anderson, which is the largest oncology drug development unit in the world. He is primarily involved in translational cancer research and the design and conduct of early-phase biomarker-driven clinical trials, with a specialist interest in anti-body drug conjugates, radio-pharmaceuticals, immunoconjugates and basket trials. Dr. Subbiah serves as the Principal Investigator in numerous trials, certainly leaving an accomplished impression on the national and international drug development community. Dr. Subbiah has skillfully led the MD Anderson effort on the international Vemurafenib Basket Trial in non-melanoma BRAF V600-mutated cancers, which pioneered a novel histology-independent clinical trial design. Vemurafenib was FDA approved in Erdheim-Chester disease based on this trial. Dabrafenib and trametinib was U.S. FDA-approved in the treatment of BRAF V600-mutant anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) based on practice changing data from the Rare Oncology Agnostic Approach (ROAR) trial lead by Dr. Subbiah. Furthermore, his novel investigator-initiated trials have also laid the foundation for therapeutic breakthroughs for additional rare cancers. Specifically, his clinical trial for Radium-223 as a treatment for relapsed osteosarcoma was singularly responsible for the inclusion of this radiopharmaceutical in the treatment algorithm of osteosarcoma in the guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Dr. Subbiah is a major advocate for precision oncology. His national leadership roles continue to expand as the National PI for the BRAF non-V600 alteration arm of the NCI-MATCH Precision Medicine Clinical Trial. His trial portfolio includes trials that target BRAF, MEK, RET, CDK, WNT, VEGF,mTOR, EZH2-EED pathways, novel immunotherapy combination trials GITR, TLR7/9, PD1, WT1, several first-in-human antibody drug conjugates, oncolytic viruses, intra-tumoral therapies and radiopharmaceuticals. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed in several prestigious journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, JAMA Oncology, Cancer Discovery, Clinical Cancer Research, and Lancet Oncology.” ![]() Prabhash Kumar, IndiaProfessor & HOD Medical OncologyDr. Kumar is a professor and medical oncologist in Tata Memorial Hospital and has more than two decades of experience.He is the present President and convener of Indian Cooperative Oncology Network (ICON).He has so far published over a hundred research and review articles/papers in journals of national and international repute.He has so far undertaken over 80 projects as Principal Ivestigator and Co-Investigator.He is a member of many international and national scientific societies and associations and has delivered talks in several conferences.These days he is proactive in increasing awareness about lung cancer and has successfully conceptualized Lung Cancer Consortium Asia ,he has significantly contributed in translational and clinical research work in the field of lung cancer and has published 17 papers in recent years.He is dedicated to create awareness about lung cancer with utmost importance to patient care and to strengthen future research. ![]() Solange Peters, SwitzerlandChair and Professor, Medical Oncology“Solange Peters, MD, PhD, is a full professor and chair of medical oncology, as well as the thoracic malignancies program in the Department of Oncology at the University Hospital of Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland. She received both her doctorate in medicine and PhD from the University Hospital of Lausanne. After completing her clinical education in medical oncology and molecular biology in Switzerland and Italy, Prof. Peters has specialized in thoracic tumors, lung cancer, and pleural tumors. Prof. Peters is currently in charge of teaching and patient care in thoracic malignancies at Lausanne University, where she is building a translational program in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and the Ludwig Institute. Her main fields of interest are new biomarkers discovery and validation in preclinical and clinical settings, multimodality strategies for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as cancer immunotherapy. Her current research projects are mainly focused on innovative immunotherapy combinations and new immunomodulating treatments across thoracic malignancies. She acts as the local principal investigator (PI) for lung trials opened at Lausanne Cancer Centre and is a co-PI of several other trials. Additionally, she acts as the scientific coordinator and Foundation Council member of the European Thoracic Oncology Platform. Professor Peters has authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters, acts as associate editor of the Annals of Oncology, serves on the editorial board of several other oncology journals, and was the deputy editor of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology for 10 years. Prof. Peters is active in the educational programs of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) – where she created the Women for Oncology Committee and for which she is the youngest President ever for an extended time of 3 years 2020-2022, and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) – were she was a previous Board of Directors member. “ ![]() Riyaz Shah, United KingdomConsultant Medical Oncologist“Dr Riyaz Shah is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Harley Street Clinic and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. He specialises in lung and gastrointestinal cancers and malignant mesothelioma. Dr Shah completed his medical degree at the University of London and obtained a First Class Honours Intercalated BSc in Experimental Pathology. Following this he undertook further medical training at The London Chest Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital, University College London, Guy’s Hospital and The Royal Marsden. In 1997 he became a member of the Royal College of Physicians of London. He undertook a Clinical Research Fellowship with The Imperial Cancer Research Fund to investigate abnormal genes in pancreatic cancer. This work led to him being awarded with a PhD by Imperial College London. Following this, Dr Shah trained to become a specialist in Medical Oncology at The Royal Marsden Hospital and was awarded an ASCO Foundation Merit Award. In 2006 he was appointed Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Kent Oncology Centre. Dr. Shah is actively involved in training future medical oncologists and has an extensive role in clinical research. He has been a principal investigator on many trials at his centre and has been instrumental in the introduction of immunotherapy into routine clinical practice within Kent. He has served on the NCRI Lung Group, acted as chairman of the Kent Lung Network Lead and continues to be the lead for research at his Cancer Centre. He has been published widely and is regularly asked to speak both nationally and internationally on cancer issues” ![]() Kaltar Das, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Kaltar Das has done his internal medicine fellowship in 2008 and Oncology fellowship in 2011 from Shaukat khanum Memorial cancer hospital and research center Pakistan, which is one the largest dedicated oncology center in the region. He has worked as oncologist in Pakistan, Qatar and currently working with Dubai health authority since 2012 (09 years). He has been participating as faculty member in EIOC (formerly UAE-CC) since 08 consecutive years. His special interest involves GI and Urological malignancies. ![]() Emad Anwar Dawoud, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Clinical OncologistDr.Emad Anwar Dawoud, MD, PhD is a Consultant Clinical Oncology at Tawam Hospital (Affiliated with Johns Hopkins) Al Ain, UAE ![]() Nitesh Rohatgi, IndiaSenior Consultant“Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi is a senior consultant in Medical Oncology at Max Hospital in Saket, who was till recently working at the prestigious London Oncology Clinic (Leaders in Oncology care), Harley Street, London. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of medicine and has much publication to his name. He was trained in medical oncology, palliative medicine and teenage young adult’s cancers in United Kingdom, completing his CCT in 2009.” ![]() Aref Chehal, United Arab EmiratesAdjunct Clinical Associate Professor of MedicineDr. Chehal is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, UAE Dr. Chehal is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Khalifa University (KU), Abu Dhabi, UAE Dr. Chehal graduated from the college of Medicine at Baghdad University/Iraq (MBChB) in 1996. He did his Internal Medicine residency at Makassed General Hospital (Affiliated with American University of Beirut), Lebanon, between 1997 and 2000. He did his Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the American University of Beirut (AUBMC), Lebanon, between 2000 and 2003 (Lebanese Board). He obtained Fellowship of the American College of Physician (FACP) in 2013. He obtained the European Certification of Medical Oncology (ECMO) in 2009 and Re-certification in 2014 and 2021. Dr. Chehal is a member of many national and international societies including ASCO, ESMO, EHA,….. He had an important role in Tumor registry in Lebanon in 2002. Dr. Chehal acted as chairperson, moderator, advisor, and member of scientific committee in many local and international congresses. Dr. Chehal has 27 published articles in peer reviewed international journals; he is the first author on 9 of them, in addition to 31 abstracts. He joined Mafraq hospital From May 2006 until December 2019. He served as head of Hematology Oncology division at Mafraq Hospital from December 2018 till December 2019 His main interests are Lung cancer, Breast Cancer, GI malignancies and Lymphoma. |
16:05 – 16:10 | Closing Remarks Prabhash Kumar, India ![]() Prabhash Kumar, IndiaProfessor & HOD Medical OncologyDr. Kumar is a professor and medical oncologist in Tata Memorial Hospital and has more than two decades of experience.He is the present President and convener of Indian Cooperative Oncology Network (ICON).He has so far published over a hundred research and review articles/papers in journals of national and international repute.He has so far undertaken over 80 projects as Principal Ivestigator and Co-Investigator.He is a member of many international and national scientific societies and associations and has delivered talks in several conferences.These days he is proactive in increasing awareness about lung cancer and has successfully conceptualized Lung Cancer Consortium Asia ,he has significantly contributed in translational and clinical research work in the field of lung cancer and has published 17 papers in recent years.He is dedicated to create awareness about lung cancer with utmost importance to patient care and to strengthen future research. |
Oncology Nursing Session | |
09:00 – 12:25 | Oncology Nursing Session Khaled Al Qawasmeh, United Arab Emirates ![]() Khaled Al Qawasmeh, United Arab EmiratesClinical Research Nurse CoordinatorKhaled Al Qawasmeh qualified with Master’s Degree in Clinical Oncology Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. He is an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) since 2009. Khaled has gained the prestigious Clinical Research Certification from USA and become a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) 2015.Khaled is the Adult Hemophilia Clinical Nurse Specialist. Khaled has published in national and international peer-reviewed journals. He is a researcher his main research interest is in the field of oncology/Hematology. Khaled is an official reviewer for the prestigious Cancer Nursing Journal. Khaled is currently a Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator at Tawam Hospital and actively involved in the Management of Hemophilia patients. |
09:00 – 09:25 | Focusing on the Basics in Oncology Nursing Rosemary Wasti, United Arab Emirates ![]() Rosemary Wasti, United Arab EmiratesUnit Manager of Oncology / Haematology Department“Rosemary Wasti, RN, OCN®.oncology nursing certification (OCN®) Unite Manager of Oncology / Hematology Department at Mediclinc, An active member at Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), International Society of Nurses in cancer (ISNCC). Earned Master degree of Science in Health care Management 2016, National certificate as oncology nursing from oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) Rosie have worked in varied settings ranging from ward based work to radiotherapy and Chemotherapy to outpatient settings, with expert administration skills for delivering and managing patients receiving chemotherapy, continued my career in the Cancer research arena, giving me the opportunity to understand international standards and the necessity of adherence to these standards when delivering gold standard care. Special interest in cancer support and counselling. “ |
09:25 – 09:50 | Starting from the Beginning as a Breast Care Nurse in the UAE Paige O’Malley, United Arab Emirates ![]() Paige O’Malley, United Arab EmiratesBreast Care NursePaige completed her training at the University of Manchester, gaining experience in accident and emergency as well as in acute medical before commencing her specialist training in UKONS at Europe’s leading Oncology hospital, The Christie. Whilst working at the Christie, Paige supported the medical and clinical breast care teams both in the NHS and on the latest trials as part of the Cancer Research UK team. One of the projects Paige developed was the new patient clinic, that enabled over 180+ patients receive chemotherapy daily across the North-West of England, both in the hospital or part of the outreach service. Paige is now the only breast care Nurse in Abu Dhabi who is passionate to develop this new role in line with their new cancer centre to provide a personal, holistic and patient-centered service to all our breast cancer patients. |
09:50 – 10:15 | Patient Care and Nursing Consideration in Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Sadiya Abdulle, United Arab Emirates ![]() Sadiya Abdulle, United Arab EmiratesOncology Hematology BMT Nurse“• An enthusiastic compassionate nurse with 7 years’ experience in hematology oncology inpatient, self-motivated in career development through participating in several activities of public speaking for community health education (colon and breast cancer), in addition to engaging in internal educations in the hospital (workshops, courses, competencies, etc.). • Certified in oncology hematology, bone marrow transplant nurse and Acting Clinical Resource Nurse. • Participated in local and international conferences as a speaker (Hematology update 2018, EIOC 2019). • Took part in the starting journey of autologous stem cell transplantation in SKMC by Supervising, guiding and certifying the staff when providing care (pre, during and post) transplantation. • With good leadership skills by monitoring the staff performance and providing regular constructive feedback and proper guidance to achieve an outstanding patient care. • Working on becoming more specialized in bone marrow transplantation (more into Allogenic).” |
10:15 – 10:40 | The Arte and Science of Nursing Research Tahani Al Dweikat, USA ![]() Tahani Al Dweikat, USAOncology Clinical Trial Research NurseOncology Clinical Trial Research Nurse at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center California, USA Former President of the Emirates Oncology Nursing Society in the United Arab Emirates (2016 – 2020) Master degree in “Executive Masters in Healthcare administration (EMHCA)” Zayed university, Abu Dhabi with a Bachelor of Nursing Science She is currently doing her Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist Graduate program at California State University in the United States. Tahani Holds international credentials as Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), and an active member in • Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) • Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA) • American Nursing Association (ANA) • Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) • International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC). Tahani as an oncology nurse expert, who focuses professional toward research and science in nursing, make the difference, and the transformation in oncology nursing, Advisor who participated in developing policies and guidelines for oncology nursing services interest focuses on continued research and development of complementary oncology nursing practice in addition to the clinical practice and experience, as well as inspire change, enhance people’s perceptions of our profession and raise our profile across the country |
10:55 – 11:20 | Managing Pain in Palliative Care: A Ladder to Success Luke Ebrahim, United Arab Emirates ![]() Luke Ebrahim, United Arab EmiratesNurse Manager – Medical & Oncology Acute Care UnitLuke Ebrahim is nurse leader with over 14 years’ experience in various fields including: Acute Medicine, Oncology and Palliative Care, Respiratory and Emergency department in the UK, Ireland and Abu Dhabi. Most recently he has worked as the nurse manager on a busy Medical and Oncology acute care unit at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. He is currently studying an MSc in Oncology and Palliative Care from Newcastle University, UK. He believes true holistic care can be given in this field, with compassion, trust and excellence in care. |
11:20 – 11:45 | Care and Maintenance of Central Venous Access Devices Katherine Thomas, United Arab Emirates ![]() Katherine Thomas, United Arab EmiratesAssistant Nurse ManagerBefore joining CCAD I worked in Royal Prince Alfred hospital in Sydney, where my main specialties were Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation and Liver and Kidney Transplantation in the Acute Care setting. I started my journey in Nov 2014 at CCAD as a staff nurse working in general med/surg. I then commenced my job as nursing educator in August 2018 for level 11, at the time being the Medical Subspecialty Institute. I enjoyed this position and being a resource for caregivers on the frontline when needed. In the past few years I have had the opportunity to grow with the expanding Oncology Service and continued being educator on level 11 where the inpatient side of oncology has been introduced. I have had the pleasure of working with an amazing team and introducing caregivers to the Oncology field. I am currently working as the Assistant Nurse Manager in the Oncology and Breast Health ambulatory clinics. |
11:45 – 12:15 | Oncology Nursing Q&A |
12:15 – 12:25 | Closing Remarks Khaled Al Qawasmeh, United Arab Emirates ![]() Khaled Al Qawasmeh, United Arab EmiratesClinical Research Nurse CoordinatorKhaled Al Qawasmeh qualified with Master’s Degree in Clinical Oncology Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. He is an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) since 2009. Khaled has gained the prestigious Clinical Research Certification from USA and become a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) 2015.Khaled is the Adult Hemophilia Clinical Nurse Specialist. Khaled has published in national and international peer-reviewed journals. He is a researcher his main research interest is in the field of oncology/Hematology. Khaled is an official reviewer for the prestigious Cancer Nursing Journal. Khaled is currently a Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator at Tawam Hospital and actively involved in the Management of Hemophilia patients. |
Uro Oncology | |
13:30 – 13:35 | Welcome Note Abdulqadir Alzarooni, United Arab Emirates ![]() Abdulqadir Alzarooni, United Arab EmiratesConsultant UrologistEducation and Qualifications: – M.B.B.S UAE University- Faculty of medicine and Health sciences 1986-1993 (First Batch) – European Board of Urology ( FEBU) 6’2003 – (German Board of Urology (Facharzt) 10’2003) – Diploma in laparoscopic surgery – Paris 2012 – Master degree in hospital administration 2018 Work experience: – Internalship training in Al-Ain Hospital, Al-Ain UAE 1993-1994 – Zayed Military Hospital-Department of Surgery 1995-1999 – Postgraduate study in University of Bonn –department of Urology, Bonn-Germany 1999-2003 – Consultant Urologist, Zayed Military hospital-Department of Urology – Member of Military medical board between 2003 to 2010 – Head of Surgical department in Zayed military hospital between 2010 to 2011 – Consultant UROLOGIST in Zayed military hospital from 10/2011 until 2/2013 – Consultant Urologist & Chief of Surgical Services In Shaik Khalifa General Hospital Umm Al Quwain UAE – Member in Urologist Exam Panel In HAAD – AbuDhabi – Member in Urologist Exam Panel in Ministry of health- UAE – Member in Peer Review Committee in DHCC – Dubai |
13:30 – 14:50 | Session 1: Updates on Urothelial Cancer Abdulqadir Alzarooni, United Arab Emirates ![]() Abdulqadir Alzarooni, United Arab EmiratesConsultant UrologistEducation and Qualifications: – M.B.B.S UAE University- Faculty of medicine and Health sciences 1986-1993 (First Batch) – European Board of Urology ( FEBU) 6’2003 – (German Board of Urology (Facharzt) 10’2003) – Diploma in laparoscopic surgery – Paris 2012 – Master degree in hospital administration 2018 Work experience: – Internalship training in Al-Ain Hospital, Al-Ain UAE 1993-1994 – Zayed Military Hospital-Department of Surgery 1995-1999 – Postgraduate study in University of Bonn –department of Urology, Bonn-Germany 1999-2003 – Consultant Urologist, Zayed Military hospital-Department of Urology – Member of Military medical board between 2003 to 2010 – Head of Surgical department in Zayed military hospital between 2010 to 2011 – Consultant UROLOGIST in Zayed military hospital from 10/2011 until 2/2013 – Consultant Urologist & Chief of Surgical Services In Shaik Khalifa General Hospital Umm Al Quwain UAE – Member in Urologist Exam Panel In HAAD – AbuDhabi – Member in Urologist Exam Panel in Ministry of health- UAE – Member in Peer Review Committee in DHCC – Dubai ![]() Yasser Farahat, United Arab EmiratesProfessor of UrologyDr. Yasser Farahat currently serves as Professor of Urology at Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt. He is a consultant of urology of the Ministry of Health UAE and Fellow of European Board of Urology (FEBU). He is also acting as a senior consultant of urology at Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital (SKGH-UAQ), UAE. ![]() Ayman Younis, United Arab EmiratesConsultant UrologistDr. Ayman Younis is a Consultant Urologist at University Hospital Sharjah, prior to which he was an NHS Consultant Urological Surgeon based at Swansea Bay University Health Board, UK. Dr. Ayman achieved post-graduate surgical training in several regions in the UK including hospitals in Essex, Plymouth, and South Wales. He completed his high urological training in the North East of England during which he attained fellowship of the Royal college of Surgeons of England and the European Board of Urology. He underwent sup-specialty training in Surgical Andrology, Urethroplasty and Penile Cancer in Leicester- United Kingdom. Dr Ayman has special interest in Men’s health including Erectile Dysfunction, Penile and testicular prosthesis, Peyronie’s disease, Urethral Stricture disease, penile cancer and reconstruction, Male factor infertility, and Hypogonadism. He is also experienced in urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, Urodynamics (both simple and video), bladder pain syndrome, cystitis, and recurrent urinary tract infections. He was the first surgeon to offer UroLift procedure (Minimally invasive prostate operation) in South Wales, UK. In addition to his clinical role, Dr. Ayman is accountable for teaching and supervising undergraduate students and junior doctors. Previously he was an educational supervisor for urology training in South Wales- UK. He has several publications, book chapters and presentations in national and international forums. Dr. Ayman is currently an active member of Emirates Urological Society (EUS), The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) and European Association of Urology (EAU). He was elected as an executive committee member of the Andrology and Genito-Urethral Surgery (AGURS) Section of BAUS. Previously, he was a member of Welsh Urological Society (WUS) and Society of International Urology (SIU). ![]() Ali Thwaini, United Arab EmiratesConsultant UrologistDr. Thwaini started his career in Urology at the Royal Medical Services in Jordan, and moved to Abu Dhabi where he worked for three years as a specialist at SKMC. He later worked in Belfast City Hospital, Altnagelvin Hospital and Craigavon Hospital, working with regional and national experts in the field in Northern Ireland. |
13:35 – 13:40 | Update on EUS-OS, AAU and EUSC Annual Meeting Yasser Farahat, United Arab Emirates ![]() Yasser Farahat, United Arab EmiratesProfessor of UrologyDr. Yasser Farahat currently serves as Professor of Urology at Tanta University, Tanta, Gharbia, Egypt. He is a consultant of urology of the Ministry of Health UAE and Fellow of European Board of Urology (FEBU). He is also acting as a senior consultant of urology at Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital (SKGH-UAQ), UAE. |
13:40 – 13:55 | Techniques in Bladder Tumour Resection Ahmed Ali, United Kingdom ![]() Ahmed Ali, United KingdomConsultant Urological Surgeon“Mr Ali was appointed as a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Frimley Health Foundation NHS Trust in 2017. He leads the bladder cancer services and is a core member of the excellent Urology Department at Frimley Park Hospital. He was awarded his Masters degree in Urology from University College of London in 2013 and continued to gain his expertise in managing urological oncology while undertaking a fellowship post at Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge. Currently, Mr Ali has introduced the new technique of En-bloc resection of a bladder tumour in addition to using narrowband imaging and blue light cystoscope at his department. Mr Ali is currently involved in NIHR funded trial to investigate the role of novel markers in overactive bladder syndrome. “ |
13:55 – 14:10 | NMIBC – Updates in Management; Impact of COVID on Follow Up Omer Al Darwish, United Arab Emirates ![]() Omer Al Darwish, United Arab EmiratesConsultant UrologistDr. Omer Al Derwish’s specialty is Urology and currently works as a Consultant Urologist. His treatment of prostatic diseases including surgery and laser therapy, treatment of kidney stones, erectile dysfuction and male hormone abnormality, urinary tract infections and obstruction, urinary and genital tract cancers, voiding abd bladder dysfuction adults and children. |
14:10 – 14:25 | Kidney – Sparing Surgery (KSS) in Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) Mudhar Hassan, United Arab Emirates ![]() Mudhar Hassan, United Arab EmiratesConsultant UrologistDr. Mudhar is a consultant urologist with over 15 years’ experience. He worked at Danderyd University Hospital and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden for the last eight years. Dr. Mudhar is a well experienced endourologist and robotic surgeon dealing with renal stones, bladder tumours and upper urinary tract tumors together with prostate cancer. Dr Mudhar has done more than 350 robotic procedures. |
14:25 – 14:40 | Surgical Management of MIBC – Will the Robot Replace Convention? Nikhil Vasdev, United Kingdom ![]() Nikhil Vasdev, United KingdomConsultant Urological and Robotic SurgeonMr Nikhil Vasdev is a Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon at the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Urological Cancer Centre, Lister Hospital, UK and is a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire leading Robotic Surgical and Urology Research. Mr Vasdev is the Associate Medical Director (AMD) for Cancer Services at the East and North Herts NHS Trust (Appointed in October 2019). In his capacity as AMD he is the lead consultant for the COVID-19 Cancer Response in his trust. Mr Vasdev is an expert advisor in NHS England and NHS Improvement on the COVID-19 Response Team, for Cancer patients care during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. His private practice is at Pinehill Hospital, Hitchin and One Hatfield Hospital, Hatfield in the UK. Mr Vasdev is an international accredited proctor in Robotic Urology and operates regularly in Asia and Europe. |
14:40 – 14:50 | Panel Discussion and Q&A |
14:50 – 16:45 | Session 2: Renal Cancer Ali Thwaini, United Arab Emirates ![]() Ali Thwaini, United Arab EmiratesConsultant UrologistDr. Thwaini started his career in Urology at the Royal Medical Services in Jordan, and moved to Abu Dhabi where he worked for three years as a specialist at SKMC. He later worked in Belfast City Hospital, Altnagelvin Hospital and Craigavon Hospital, working with regional and national experts in the field in Northern Ireland. ![]() Mohsen El Mekresh, United Arab EmiratesConsultant and Head of Urology & Men’s Health“Dr. Mohsen El Mekresh is a professor of urology and kidney transplantation in the Urology Centre, Mansoura University, Egypt. 1997 and 2003. He moved to Abu Dhabi in 2008 and joined Mafraq tertiary care-JCI accredited- hospital. Dr. El Mekresh established a state-of-the-art referral urology center in Mafraq Hospital and held the post of Chief of Urology ,Chair of Surgery and Chair of SEHA Urology Council between September 2008 and October 2018. Then he moved to Nation Hospital to establish The Urology and Men’s Health Center and to hold the CMO post. Currently he is the Head of Urology and men’s health at Mediclinic Middle East He is an author of numerous peer reviewed publications and is a reviewer and member of many international scientific committees and urologic associations.” ![]() Yaser Saeedi, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon“Dr. Yaser Saeedi Consultant Urologist and robotic surgeon in Dubai Hospital, DHA. Director of Urology residency program in DHA. Member of the national transplantation committee. Emirates urology society cultural committee chair. CREDENTIALS: MBBS (Ireland), Degrees awarded: (LRCP & SI), MB., BCh., BAO.(NUI) from The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. MRCS ( Royal college of physicians and surgeons Glasgow). French board of Surgery DES (surgery), (University of Strasbourg, France). French board of Urology DESC in Urology (University of Strasbourg, France). Fellowship of European board of Urology (FEBU). Clinical and theoretical diploma in Onco-Urology, (DIU) Strasbourg.” |
14:50 – 15:10 | Evolution of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (aRCC) Treatment – Supported by Ipsen Jens Bedke, Germany ![]() Jens Bedke, GermanyVice Chairman at the Department of UrologyProf. Jens Bedke is the vice chairman at the Department of Urology at the University of Tübingen, Germany. He additionally coordinates the prostate cancer centre of the comprehensive cancer centre at the University of Tübingen. In 2013, he obtained his professorship after he had completed his „Habilitation“ in 2010. He spent his residency in the Dept. of General Surgery at the University of Göttingen, Germany, at the Dept. of Urology, University of Heidelberg, Germany and at the Dept. of Urology, University of Tübingen. Dr. Bedke spent his postdoc time at the Germany Cancer Research Center at the Dept. of Molecular and Cellular Pathology where he depend his immunological research and founded the basis for his basic research studies. His main research areas include uro-oncology, tumor-immonology and metabolomics, in which he has a long-standing record with more than 206 publications peer-reviewed publications including the NEJM, Lancet and Lancet Oncology. Dr. Bedke´s special interest is the research in renal cell cancer and bladder carcinoma with a special focus on translational studies with immune targeting agents. Dr. Bedke is a member of several national and international societies including the EAU, AUA and ESMO. He serves as a board member of the „AUO“ (Uro-Oncology Working Group) of the German Cancer Society. In additon, he is panel member of the EAU RCC guideline, co-chairman of the German Renal Cancer Study Group and member of the German Testicular Cancer Study Group (GTCSG) of the German Cancer Society. Dr. Bedke serves on the editorial board of the World Journal of Urology and as guest editor of Current Opinions in Urology. ![]() Jawaher Ansari, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Jawaher Ansari completed his Clinical Oncology specialist training in Birmingham, UK and worked as a Consultant at the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow, the second largest cancer center in the UK, prior to moving to the Middle East. Dr Ansari has been a principal investigator for several practice-changing international clinical trials and has authored several peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters. His specialist interests are Urology, Breast and Lung cancers. |
15:10 – 15:25 | Updates on the Management of Small Renal Masses Mohammad Abufaraj, Jordan ![]() Mohammad Abufaraj, JordanConsultant UrologistDr. Mohammad Abufaraj is a consultant urologist at Jordan University Hospital/ The University of Jordan and an adjunct professor of urology at the Medical University of Vienna. Dr. Abufaraj has a particular interest in clinical outcomes research and cancer epidemiology . Dr. Abufaraj is the Arab Journal of Urology Co-Editor and a member of the Young Academic Urologists (YAU) working group/European Association of Urology. |
15:25 – 15:40 | Role of Surgery in Metastatic Renal Cancer: Is there still a Role? Motaz Melhem, United Kingdom ![]() Motaz Melhem, United KingdomUrologist. |
15:40 – 15:55 | Nephron-Sparing Surgery: Tips, Tricks and Techniques Rabii Madi, United Arab Emirates ![]() Rabii Madi, United Arab EmiratesDirector, Urology – Director, Robotic Surgery“Rabii Madi is a Urologic Oncologist with 15 years of academic and clinical experience in Urologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive Surgery. He was the director of robotic surgery at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland before moving to Georgia and heading the Urologic Oncology and robotic surgery programs at Augusta University Health for 9 years. Dr. Madi is among the most experienced robotic surgeons in the USA. He has performed more than 2000 robotic surgeries and has more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and 120 presentations in national and international meetings. He has pioneered new techniques and approaches in urologic oncology and robotic surgery.” |
15:55 – 16:10 | Tumour Bearing Kidneys as Potential Organ Donors (TAPER): A Concept Ali Thwaini, United Arab Emirates ![]() Ali Thwaini, United Arab EmiratesConsultant UrologistDr. Thwaini started his career in Urology at the Royal Medical Services in Jordan, and moved to Abu Dhabi where he worked for three years as a specialist at SKMC. He later worked in Belfast City Hospital, Altnagelvin Hospital and Craigavon Hospital, working with regional and national experts in the field in Northern Ireland. |
16:10 – 16:35 | Navigating Through 1L IO based Treatment Options for Advanced RCC – Supported by BMS Jawaher Ansari, United Arab Emirates ![]() Jawaher Ansari, United Arab EmiratesMedical OncologistDr. Jawaher Ansari completed his Clinical Oncology specialist training in Birmingham, UK and worked as a Consultant at the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow, the second largest cancer center in the UK, prior to moving to the Middle East. Dr Ansari has been a principal investigator for several practice-changing international clinical trials and has authored several peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters. His specialist interests are Urology, Breast and Lung cancers. |
16:35 – 16:45 | Panel Discussion and Q&A |
16:55 – 17:10 | Updates in Systemic Management of Prostate Cancer Suneil Jain, United Kingdom ![]() Suneil Jain, United KingdomConsultant Clinical OncologisHe is a Professor and Consultant Clinical Oncologist Queen’s University Belfast, UK. |
16:55 – 18:00 | Session 3: Prostate Cancer Ali Thwaini, United Arab Emirates ![]() Ali Thwaini, United Arab EmiratesConsultant UrologistDr. Thwaini started his career in Urology at the Royal Medical Services in Jordan, and moved to Abu Dhabi where he worked for three years as a specialist at SKMC. He later worked in Belfast City Hospital, Altnagelvin Hospital and Craigavon Hospital, working with regional and national experts in the field in Northern Ireland. ![]() Ahmed Ali, United KingdomConsultant Urological Surgeon“Mr Ali was appointed as a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Frimley Health Foundation NHS Trust in 2017. He leads the bladder cancer services and is a core member of the excellent Urology Department at Frimley Park Hospital. He was awarded his Masters degree in Urology from University College of London in 2013 and continued to gain his expertise in managing urological oncology while undertaking a fellowship post at Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge. Currently, Mr Ali has introduced the new technique of En-bloc resection of a bladder tumour in addition to using narrowband imaging and blue light cystoscope at his department. Mr Ali is currently involved in NIHR funded trial to investigate the role of novel markers in overactive bladder syndrome. “ ![]() Ammar Hameed, United KingdomConsultant Urological Surgeon. |
17:10 – 17:30 | Management of mHSPC: Updates from TITAN final analysis : – Supported By Jansen Emad Anwar Dawoud, United Arab Emirates ![]() Emad Anwar Dawoud, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Clinical OncologistDr.Emad Anwar Dawoud, MD, PhD is a Consultant Clinical Oncology at Tawam Hospital (Affiliated with Johns Hopkins) Al Ain, UAE |
17:30 – 17:45 | Proton Therapy for High Risk Prostate Case – Supported By Apollo |
17:45 – 18:00 | Panel Discussion, Q&A and Closing Remarks Waleed Hassen, United Arab Emirates ![]() Waleed Hassen, United Arab EmiratesDepartment Chair, Urology, Surgical“Dr. Waleed A. Hassen, MD, is the Department Chair of Urology in the Surgical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, as well as an Associate Professor of Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Hassen was a faculty member at the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, US. He also previously served as the Director of Urologic Oncology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, US. Dr. Hassen is originally from New York, US and received his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia, US. He completed his residency in Urology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, US. He then completed his fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, US. He has authored numerous research articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, as well as book chapters and videos. He is an editorial reviewer for numerous scientific journals and a member of several urological and oncologic societies, including the Society of Urologic Oncologists, the European Association of Urology and Alpha Omega Alpha. He is currently the Chairperson of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s (NCCN) Middle East and North Africa Panel for the Modification of Prostate Cancer Guidelines. Dr. Hassen has lectured in and chaired numerous scientific meetings and also serves as an international faculty member for the American Urological Association. He specializes in Urologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery. Dr. Hassen is one of a handful of Urologists worldwide who is formally trained in both urologic oncology and minimally invasive surgery.” ![]() Ammar Hameed, United KingdomConsultant Urological Surgeon. |
Palliative Care | |
13:30 – 13:45 | Welcome & Introductions with Music Mona Tareen, United Arab Emirates ![]() Mona Tareen, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Palliative MedicineDr. Mona Tareen is a Consultant in Palliative, Geriatric and Internal Medicine. She obtained her basic medical degree from Dhow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan and completed her US Board Certification in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Board Certification and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She has worked as Palliative Medicine Consultant and Medical Director of Hospice and Palliative Care Program in the US and also served the Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, as Consultant Geriatrician. |
13:45 – 14:30 | Facing Death: Palliative Care and the Final Stage of Life Robert Zalenski, USA ![]() Robert Zalenski, USAMedical Director of Palliative CareVery experienced in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Currently Medical Director of Palliative Care as St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. Served as National Medicial Director for Vanguard Health and then for Tenet Health, guiding the development of numerous hospital based palliative care programs accross the United States. Served as Hospice Director at state and local levels. Worked at Wayne State University to develop and publish hospice and palliative care healthcare research. Skilled in Directing Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and in leading Healthcare Consulting, Strong professional background, trained at University of Illinois Emergency Medicine Metro Hospital Program and a graduate of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. |
14:30 – 15:15 | Panel Discussion: Goals of Care Decisions by Hospitalized Patients – Missed Opportunities & Barriers Mona Tareen, United Arab Emirates ![]() Mona Tareen, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Palliative MedicineDr. Mona Tareen is a Consultant in Palliative, Geriatric and Internal Medicine. She obtained her basic medical degree from Dhow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan and completed her US Board Certification in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Board Certification and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She has worked as Palliative Medicine Consultant and Medical Director of Hospice and Palliative Care Program in the US and also served the Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, as Consultant Geriatrician. ![]() Katie Sweeting, United Arab EmiratesSpecialist Palliative CareDr. Katie completed specialist training in London and South East England to become a consultant in palliative medicine in 2009, working in both acute hospital and hospice settings. She has extensive experience of managing symptoms, concerns and expectations of patients with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. She is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians (UK) as both an educational supervisor and mentor. ![]() Kayane Mheidly, United Arab EmiratesConsultant HematologyDr Kayane MHEIDLY started her medical school in 2004 at the faculty of medicine of Lille 2 in France. She acquired her medical degree and her post graduate expertise in hematology (malignant hematology and blood diseases) with a very honorable mention at the faculty of medicine of Rennes 1-France. She had a position of fellowship-PhD at department of hematology at the university hospital of Rennes 1. well known department in France in the management of Lymphoma, LGL Leukemia, multiple myeloma, acute leukemia and bone marrow transplantation (114 autologous stem cells transplantations and 58 allogenic stem cells transplantations per year). With her 10 years of experience in the management of hematological diseases from the diagnosis to the therapy, including stem cells transplantation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, in and outpatient care, chronic and acute hematological malignancies and benign hematology. Dr Kayane Mheidly always works to adapt the treatment to the molecular and cytogenetic profile of the disease and to the patient’s tolerance and history. In addition, she is very interested in clinical research, she is member of the Lymphoma Study Association (LYSA), the French society of hematology (SFH) (Société Française d’Hématologie) and the French Intergroup of multiple myeloma (IFM). ![]() Neil Arun Nijhawan, United Arab EmiratesConsultant in Palliative MedicineDr. Neil Arun Nijhawan is a UK-trained Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Burjeel Medical City. After medical school at Kings College London, he pursued speciality training in Palliative Medicine in London and previously worked as a Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in the London, where he was Clinical Lead for Palliative medicine. He has over 10 years of clinical experience in Palliative Medicine. Dr. Nijhawan is the first licensed Palliative Care physician in Abu Dhabi and is licensed to practice all aspects of Palliative Medicine. He strongly believes that for all patients, if one’s symptoms are well controlled, they will feel better, and both the patient and their family will tolerate their medical treatments better. Dr. Nijhawan’s ethos is to treat every patient like family and firmly believes that there is always something that we can do to help make people feel better. The overarching aim of Palliative Care is to improve the quality of life of patients through diligent and thorough assessment and treatment of both physical and psychological symptoms. Patients do not exist in isolation and therefore supporting the family/carers is an essential component of the palliative care approach to care. His clinical area of interest is symptom control (including pain, nausea, breathlessness, fatigue) and assistance with complex treatment decision-making at the end of life and he is often called on to provide independent second opinions. Palliative care is available for everyone – of any age, race, culture, background and religion. ![]() Robert Zalenski, USAMedical Director of Palliative CareVery experienced in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Currently Medical Director of Palliative Care as St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. Served as National Medicial Director for Vanguard Health and then for Tenet Health, guiding the development of numerous hospital based palliative care programs accross the United States. Served as Hospice Director at state and local levels. Worked at Wayne State University to develop and publish hospice and palliative care healthcare research. Skilled in Directing Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and in leading Healthcare Consulting, Strong professional background, trained at University of Illinois Emergency Medicine Metro Hospital Program and a graduate of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. ![]() Julieta Zuluaga, United Arab EmiratesSpecialist in Clinical HematologyDr. Julieta Osorio Zuluaga is a Spain board-certified specialist in Clinical Hematology with working experience in four different countries (Colombia, Spain, Italy, and UAE). She received her basic medical training in the University CES in Colombia and completed her specialty training in Clinical Hematology and Hemotherapy in the University Hospital of La Fe in Valencia, Spain, one of the leading European hospitals in leukemia and bone marrow transplant treatment and research. Her working experience includes benign and malignant hematology, as well as bone marrow transplantation. ![]() Jamshed Khan, United Arab EmiratesPhysician“Dr. Jamshed Khan, MD, FACP, is a Staff Physician in the Medical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Dr. Khan worked as a Hospitalist and a Palliative Care Consultant at UNC Rex Healthcare in Raleigh, North Carolina, US. He is an American Board Certified consultant physician with extensive experience in hospital medicine. Dr. Khan received his medical degree from King Edward Medical College in Lahore, Pakistan. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in the US. Following this, he completed his fellowship in geriatrics at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, US. He maintains American Board Certifications in both internal medicine and geriatrics. He previously maintained certification in palliative care from 2006 to 2013 and is a certified hospice medical director.” ![]() Zafar Javed, United Arab EmiratesConsultant & Chief Palliative Medicine“Dr. Javed, diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine in Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, who expertise in elderly care and in the management of acute and chronic cancer pain as well as management of symptoms resulting from disease or its treatment. With extensive clinical experience in Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, working in New Brunswick, Canada before joining Tawam Hospital. His areas of interest include cognitive impairment in elderly, cancer pain and psychosocial issues in terminally ill patients.” |
15:15 – 15:40 | Pain Management and Best Practices for Opioid Rotation Mona Tareen, United Arab Emirates ![]() Mona Tareen, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Palliative MedicineDr. Mona Tareen is a Consultant in Palliative, Geriatric and Internal Medicine. She obtained her basic medical degree from Dhow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan and completed her US Board Certification in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Board Certification and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She has worked as Palliative Medicine Consultant and Medical Director of Hospice and Palliative Care Program in the US and also served the Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, as Consultant Geriatrician. |
15:40 – 16:05 | Breakthroughs in Cancer Pain Management – Supported By NewBridge |
16:20 – 16:50 | Palliative Care Emergencies Katie Sweeting, United Arab Emirates ![]() Katie Sweeting, United Arab EmiratesSpecialist Palliative CareDr. Katie completed specialist training in London and South East England to become a consultant in palliative medicine in 2009, working in both acute hospital and hospice settings. She has extensive experience of managing symptoms, concerns and expectations of patients with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. She is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians (UK) as both an educational supervisor and mentor. |
16:50 – 17:15 | Role of Transfusions in End Stage Leukemia Julieta Zuluaga, United Arab Emirates ![]() Julieta Zuluaga, United Arab EmiratesSpecialist in Clinical HematologyDr. Julieta Osorio Zuluaga is a Spain board-certified specialist in Clinical Hematology with working experience in four different countries (Colombia, Spain, Italy, and UAE). She received her basic medical training in the University CES in Colombia and completed her specialty training in Clinical Hematology and Hemotherapy in the University Hospital of La Fe in Valencia, Spain, one of the leading European hospitals in leukemia and bone marrow transplant treatment and research. Her working experience includes benign and malignant hematology, as well as bone marrow transplantation. |
17:15 – 17:25 | Closing Remarks Mona Tareen, United Arab Emirates ![]() Mona Tareen, United Arab EmiratesConsultant Palliative MedicineDr. Mona Tareen is a Consultant in Palliative, Geriatric and Internal Medicine. She obtained her basic medical degree from Dhow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan and completed her US Board Certification in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics Board Certification and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She has worked as Palliative Medicine Consultant and Medical Director of Hospice and Palliative Care Program in the US and also served the Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, as Consultant Geriatrician. |